Target Corp

The company conducted a TCFD-aligned climate risk scenario analysis in 2022, incorporating both a low emissions scenario (SSP1-2.6) and a high emissions scenario (SSP5-8.5) to assess transition and physical risks. However, it is not clear whether the analysis includes animal agricultural supply chains or protein diversification.

The company has not yet reported a full breakdown of its Scope 3 emissions derived from animal agriculture, nor a breakdown by protein type. However, the company has reported a full breakdown of its total emissions for FY2023, from which it is calculated that over 96.2% of its total emissions are attributed to Scope 3.

As of 2023, Target has stated that it is seeking validation from the SBTi to include FLAG emissions to align with its Net-Zero standards, however, it is unclear if the company has submitted a 1.5°C aligned Scope 3 emission reduction target that include FLAG emissions. As of 2019, the company set a 2°C SBTi-approved target to reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2030, from a 2017 baseline. The company also has the goal for 80% of its suppliers across all purchased goods and services to set science-based targets, achieving 71% by the end of 2023.

While the company acknowledges the growing consumer demand of environmental conscious products for consumers and opportunity to provide regenerative or sustainable sources own brand products to reduce Scope 3 emissions, the company does not report data related to protein diversification in its climate disclosure.

The company has not set a public protein diversification target and has not integrated the topic in its climate transition plans. As production of sold goods account for more than 44% of the company's value chain emissions, with a large part of this footprint driven by raw materials and packaging, the company instead focuses on sustainable sourcing of raw materials, waste reduction, reduced reliance on natural resources and new production practices like regenerative agriculture to reduce emissions in its climate transition plan.

The company has not set a public protein diversification target.

The company has not set a public protein diversification target.

The company has not set a public protein diversification target.

The company has not set a public protein diversification target.

The company has not set a public protein diversification target and so does not track progress.

Target does not have specific compensation related solely to achieving emission reduction or protein diversification. Instead, executive compensation is performance-based and tied to Sales, Incentive Operating Income, and financial metrics.

The company reports that 91% of its board members have experience in sustainability/ESG.

The company's board includes members with senior leadership experience in healthcare-related companies, however, it is unclear whether they gained technical expertise in healthy diets or nutrition.

Target engages in lobbying and public policy advocacy, disclosing a list of its policy positions and activities in its US market, focusing on tax, trade, privacy, payments, organised retail crime and civic participation.

The company discloses a few examples of its direct lobbying actions that are aligned with positive climate outcomes, including on Western Electricity Market Expansion, Texas Market Reform and the Virginia HB 1770 Electric Utility Regulation Act. Activities aligned with positive nutrition outcomes are not disclosed.

The company provides a comprehensive list of its membership associations, including the Consumer Brands Association and various regional retail associations.

The company does not disclose alignment or misalignment of all the trade associations it lists membership to, providing only the Clean Energy Buyers Alliance and Texas Energy Buyers Alliance as two examples of its membership organisations assessed as aligned with positive climate outcomes.

While the company invests in regenerative agriculture and sustainability initiatives, there is no evidence that Target has made a public commitment to Just Transition principles.

As part of the company's commitment for 80% of its suppliers to set science-based targets, the company built internal capacity and assisted its suppliers to calculate their carbon footprint by developing training on climate reporting, science-based target setting and emission reduction actions. However, the company has not made a public commitment to retain, reskill, redeploy, or compensate workers affected by its emissions reduction efforts.

While the company is investing in regenerative agriculture and exploring nature-based solutions to enhance soil health through participation in the $8.5 million Nebraska Soil Carbon Project, and a $1.7 million project to promote regenerative farming practices in Minnesota in partnership with MBOLD, The Nature Conservancy, and Hormel Foods, there is no evidence of support for more sustainable animal protein production practices.

The company outlines its approach to regenerative farming but has not established a Just Transition strategy for animal agriculture.

There is no evidence that Target engages with social actors affected by its emissions reduction efforts.

The company does not have a Just Transition strategy and so does not report associated KPIs to track progress.

The company does not have a Just Transition strategy and so does not report associated KPIs to track progress.

Target launched external brand plant-based products in its largest US market in the past year. These include Aloha protein bars, Mooala Simple Plant-based Milk, Kate Farms plant-based nutrition shakes for children, Amara breakfast oat melts and Bored Cow's Animal-free Pumpkin Spice milk containing Perfect Day's precision fermentation dairy protein.

There is no evidence that Target has allocated resource to improve the performance of alternative protein products in the past year.

Target does not have a minimum health and nutrition requirement for its alternative protein source portfolio aligned with a government-endorsed nutrient profiling system.

There is no evidence that Target is reformulating alternative protein products to improve nutrition attributes.

There is no evidence that Target is reformulating alternative protein products to improve sustainability attributes.

There is no evidence that Target has committed to marketing and merchandising strategies related to alternative proteins in its largest markets.

Target is marketing and merchandising alternative protein products in its largest US market through specific filters for groceries through its 'Eat Well Your Way' feature and discount offers like the "Buy 2 for $5 deal'' on selected vegan products in-store and online. During this year's ''Target Circle Week'', customers using the company's loyalty app could also access exclusive discounts on various vegan products.

There is no evidence that Target is working to ensure its alternative protein source products are accessible and affordable in its largest markets. Although the company makes a high level claim in its ''Target Forward'' strategy that it is making sustainable products more affordable and accessible to consumers, it is unclear if alternative protein products are included in these efforts.

There is no evidence that Target has conducted consumer research investigating trends within the alternative protein sources sector.

Target has used consumer research relating to healthy diets to inform its marketing and merchandising strategy, however, it is unclear if this includes alternative protein sources. The company tracks health and wellness trends, recently expanding its wellness product line with 2,000 affordable new items across various categories, including nutrition and gut health. The company also announced it will host its first Wellness Innovation Summit in 2025. Although, it is unclear if these include alternative protein sources.