Background

Target recognizes that the ecosystem services provided by forests and other natural ecosystems around the world are irreplaceable and have a positive impact in supporting global livelihoods. We’re committed to working with our suppliers to protect forests and other natural ecosystems by helping eliminate deforestation and forest degradation from our value chain. We also strive to improve the livelihoods of workers, smallholder farmers and communities throughout our supply chain and aim to enhance safety, wellbeing and economic opportunity and eliminate forced labor. 

Because of the environmental and social risks in certain palm oil supply chains, Target engages with suppliers and participates in initiatives to increase the sustainability of its palm oil supply chain. Target will continue to collaborate with supply chain partners and industry stakeholders to leverage our collective scale, influence and expertise to promote sustainable palm oil.  We will also continue to report annually on our progress through our ESG Report.

Commitment

This commitment applies to palm oil, palm kernel oil and derivatives in Target’s owned-brand food, household cleaning, personal care, baby care, beauty, cosmetics, pet food and essentials, and candle products.

As a next step in Target’s multi-year endeavor to responsibly source palm oil, Target commits to moving beyond the use of a credit system toward the use of physically certified palm oil. Our goal is for palm oil in our products to be certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or an equivalent standard with a mass balance, segregated or identity preserved supply chain certification by the end of 2022. Target also aims to increase the portion of segregated and identity preserved palm oil used in its products over time. 

Target aspires to source palm oil that is produced in accordance with the following key principles, which are part of the RSPO standard: 

• Palm oil cultivation must not cause deforestation of primary forests, areas of High Conservation Value or High Carbon Stock forest areas. 
• Palm oil developments must not be planted on peat lands regardless of depth. 
• Land prepared for the planting or replanting of palm trees must not be prepared by burning. 
• Palm oil developments must proceed on the basis of free, prior and informed consent. 
• Workers, including women and migrant workers, must be provided wages, benefits and working conditions that are fair and in accordance with local law. 
• Suppliers must provide a safe and healthy working environment that complies with local laws and minimizes occupational hazards. 
• All workers have the right to engage in work willingly, without surrendering identification and without the payment of fees. 
• Suppliers must comply with all age-related working restrictions as set by local law and adhere to international standards as defined by the International Labor Organization regarding age-appropriate work. 

Furthermore, Target believes transparent and traceable supply chains enable industry collaboration, shared accountability and positive change. Target will engage in efforts to increase traceability in palm oil and will encourage our supply chain partners to do the same. As such, Target aims to trace its palm oil supply chain to the mill level by the end of 2022. This information will facilitate meaningful dialogue and action to protect forests and improve livelihoods.