Target’s Denim Take Back Event Reflects Commitment to Sustainability Goals

Target Corporation is launching its first-ever chain-wide Denim Take-Back Event to encourage consumers to refresh their denim wardrobes (at a discount) while contributing to a more sustainable future.

“Our Denim Take Back Event is a simple yet impactful way for families to extend the life of their denim,” explains Gena Fox, Senior Vice President of Merchandising for Apparel and Accessories at Target. “With back-to-school and college shopping in full swing, we’re offering this 20% off Target Circle deal to make it easier for our guests to refresh their denim wardrobes while contributing to waste reduction.”

Supporting Target Forward Goals

Target Forward is the retailer’s ambitious sustainability strategy. It’s about co-creating an equitable and regenerative future alongside guests, partners, and communities.

• Design and Elevate Sustainable Brands: By 2030, Target will be a market leader in creating and curating inclusive, sustainable brands. This means finding products that meet consumer needs and contribute positively to the planet.

• Innovate to Eliminate Waste: Target focuses on thoughtful material choices, durability, repairability, and recyclability. Their goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030 underscores their dedication to reducing waste and supporting circular design principles.

• Accelerate Opportunity and Equity: Target is committed to creating opportunities and ensuring equity for their teams, partners, and communities, aligning their success with broader social impact.

Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility Amanda Nusz encapsulates the vision: “We want our guests to turn to Target first when they think about sustainability.”

Target also collaborates with organizations such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and Fashion for Good to enhance its circularity efforts. The company is also dedicated to sustainable packaging and signatory to the New Plastics Economy initiative.

Environmental Impact and Future Goals

This event continues Target’s efforts to minimize waste. It follows the success of its Car Seat Trade-in Program, which has recycled 2.6 million car seats and 39.7 million pounds of materials since 2016. By recycling denim, Target aims to divert used items from landfills and repurpose materials through its partners.

Target is committed to becoming a net zero enterprise by 2040, balancing the greenhouse gases emitted with those removed from the atmosphere.

Promoting social equity through various initiatives, including offering pro-bono consulting for BIPOC-owned small businesses and launching a Buy Black badge to spotlight Black-owned brands. Community engagement is a priority, with Target’s team members contributing a million hours of volunteerism in 2023 and leveraging its resources for community support.

Further, Target has set science-based targets for emissions reductions in line with the Business Ambition for 1.5°C to address global warming.