Mass market retailer Target will ensure no ancient or endangered forest fiber are found in its viscose textile supply chain by 2020. Target will closely work with its vendors, suppliers as well as other partners in order to understand the origin of viscose and other raw materials it uses and to improve the sustainability of forests where the timber in those products is grown.

Viscose production doubled between 2013 and 2020 and pulp production for packaging is expected to increase more than 100 per cent by 2030 from 2.3 billion trees per year to five billion trees. By using cellulosic materials that have been responsibly sourced, feedstock for future viscose production can be improved. Next generation solutions, such as fabrics that use recycled textile and alternative fibers, can reduce the pressure on forests.

Target is an upscale discount retailer that provides high quality, on-trend merchandise at attractive prices. It has 1,816 stores in the United States. Target also plans to source 100 per cent sustainable cotton by 2022 for use in its owned and exclusive national brands in apparel and home ware. The first step will be partnering with its vendors to map the supply chain for each product containing cotton.