US retailer Target Corporation aims to invest $5 million in ‘green chemistry’ innovation by 2020. The Minneapolis-based firm aims to improve textile products by eliminating added perfluorinated chemicals and further removing added flame retardants that are potential carcinogens that could pose harm to the end user, textiles workers or their communities.

“Our chemical strategy will be one of the most comprehensive in the US retail industry, including all Target-owned and national brand products and operations, not just formulated products,” said Jennifer Silberman, chief sustainability officer, Target. “It’s ambitious, but using our size, scale and expertise, we think we will be able to make significant progress. And we hope our robust approach will accelerate similar efforts across the industry. Ultimately, we want to bring all stakeholders together to innovate and champion a consistent, industry-wide approach to greener chemistry.”

It has also announced a new policy for suppliers to maintain transparency, proactive chemical management and innovation in textiles. Further, it has introduced the first set of goals aimed at addressing unwanted chemicals with biggest potential health hazard.

“Part of knowing what is in the product is understanding where they come from and how they are made,” said Irene Quarshie, vice president, quality & compliance, Target Sourcing Services. “So we will build on our work in the responsible sourcing space to help us verify that supply chain processes are sustainable, as well as ethical and responsible, from beginning to end.”

“We are excited to kick off this long-term effort, understanding that this is a journey, and it takes everyone working together to truly make a difference,” added Silberman. “We look forward to working with our partners on further reducing the presence of unwanted substances in the homes and workplaces of millions of guests, and helping to enhance their health and well-being.”