At the start of 2017, Target announced its commitment to remove harmful chemicals from its products by:

• Transparency. Target will “strive for full visibility to chemicals contained in or used to make the products” they sell and use in their operations.
• Chemical Management. Target will “work with business partners to implement policies, practices and tools that facilitate the management of chemicals throughout” their supply chain and across their operations.
• Innovation. Target recognizes that “safer alternatives may not exist today for some chemicals,” so they will “actively pursue and promote new approaches to chemicals development and the commercialization of safer alternatives.”

Now they are going a step further, building on their chemical reduction commitment, Target has kicked off its first-ever Target Takeoff, “a mini retail boot camp focused on supporting emerging businesses who are working to create healthier, more ethical and sustainable products.”

About Target Takeoff

Target brought 10 founders of emerging better-for-you brands to Minneapolis for an opportunity to meet with mentors, to network with each other and talk about all things retail.

Here are the brands:

1. ASIYA is a sport and activewear brand striving to “level the playing field for Muslim females everywhere.” Their initial line of sport hijabs enable “Muslim girls and women to have the freedom to participate in physical activities and sports while still upholding their religious and cultural beliefs.”
2. PiperWai is a brand that makes a charcoal deodorant that works entirely naturally. “PiperWai is the first naturally powerful, aluminum-free deodorant that uses activated charcoal to absorb wetness and fight odor. Natural ingredients like organic coconut oil, shea butter, and pure vitamin E soothe even the most sensitive skin.”
3. True Moringa is a natural skincare line that utilizes an ingredient found in northern Ghana. Not only do they produce a natural alternative to synthetic cosmetics, they invest in the local area and support local farmers.
4. Salty Girl Seafood is a sustainable traceable seafood company. To make their products, they only work with small-scale fishermen who are fishing sustainably.
5. Pique Tea Crystals is whole leaf tea, brewed and then crystallized. “Pique is the easiest way to enjoy exceptional tea, every time.”
6. Iya Foods is making authentic African inspired foods. They produce a savory selection of African simmer sauces, stews, spices, seasonings, gluten free flours and dried African hibiscus flowers. Their sauces are made in a facility that is certified organic and environmentally friendly.
7. Fatco is a “clean skincare” product brand.
8. Love Grain is a company that makes gluten-free products from a grain, teff, found in Ethiopia. Teff is an ancient grain that is rich in protein, fiber, calcium, iron and other vitamins.
9. Mented Cosmetics is a cosmetic brand specifically for women of color who find many companies seem to make products for them as an afterthought. All lipsticks are vegan, paraben-free, non-toxic, cruelty free and proudly made in the USA.
10. Think. Eat. Live. is a company that makes gluten-free products. All of their products start with their patent pending sunflower seed-based flour, SunFlour.

On July 25th, 2017 in Minneapolis, the teams are going to share their progress on Demo Day. If you’ll be in the area in July, you can request an invitation by emailing tgt.takeoff@target.com.

Read more about Target’s commitment to sustainability:

Target’s Recycling Kiosks: A Nationwide Recycling Solution at https://recyclenation.com/2013/06/targets-recycling-kiosks-nationwide-recycling-solution/.

On Target with Sustainability at https://recyclenation.com/2013/01/target-sustainability/.