Target’s Sustainability Report: Circularity & Inclusivity

Target focuses its sustainability goals on issues that are most important to its business and stakeholders across the value chain.

With 1,978 stores and 66 supply chain facilities in the US, Target is one of the largest retailers.

It has released its 2025 Sustainability and Governance Report which outlines its long-term goals and its progress towards sustainability.

What is Target Forward?

Target Forward is the company’s enterprise sustainability strategy which focuses on creating a regenerative and inclusive future that benefits its customers and stakeholders.

Its goals towards designing sustainable brands include using 100% recyclable, regenerative or sustainably sourced raw materials in its owned brand products by 2030.

Target has achieved its goal of sourcing 60% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

It achieved its initial milestone in 2022, and 76% of the energy used for its operations was from renewable sources in 2024.

Agata Ramallo Garcia, Vice President and Head of Enterprise Sustainability for Target, says: “When we launched our Target Forward sustainability strategy in 2021, we set out to drive progress where it matters most - addressing business challenges through solutions that support long-term growth, strengthen resilience and deliver meaningful impact for our team, guests and communities.

“As we continue this work, we remain focused on efforts that create long-term value for our business, partners and the communities we serve - rooted in innovation, operational efficiency and shared accountability.”

Designing recyclable products

To promote circularity, Target is improving the design and manufacturing of its products and packaging.

It aims to keep materials in use for longer by using more sustainable and durable materials which allows products to be reused or recycled.

This is supported by Target’s commitment to reducing its use of virgin plastics, which includes changing all its gift cards from non-recyclable PVC plastic to 100% paper.

It has also enabled consumers to opt out of using plastic bags for collecting orders, which has saved more than nine million bags since the start of the programme.

How Target supports the environment

The retailer plans to reduce emissions, cut waste and build resilience into its operations and supply chain.

It has adopted initiatives including transitioning to using LED lighting in its stores which increases the energy efficiency of its operations.

It is managing supply chain risks from extreme weather events by evaluating global trends and working with crisis management teams.

By the end of 2025, Target plans to achieve its goal to improve at least one million acres of land using soil health practices.

Building an inclusive community

Target aims to foster a welcoming environment for its team by supporting inclusivity and connection.

It offers training to leaders and recruiters to reduce the risk of bias influencing salary decisions.

Team members are given flexibility in their schedules, with 64% of store team members working their desired hours in 2024.

Free therapy and coaching sessions are offered to staff and their households to support mental health, grief and critical incident response.

Brian Cornell, Chair and Chief Executive Officer for Target, says: “I’m proud of what our team has built and the progress we’ve made.

“Their passion for, and commitment to, strengthening our business and driving growth make me confident that Target’s greatest impact and brightest days lie ahead.”