Today, brands on Novi can compare their formulas and ingredients against Target's latest policy guidelines, Target Clean 2023.
What is Target Clean 2023?
Target Clean 2023 consists of the Target Priority Chemicals List — a list of chemicals developed by Target that is an updated version of the Target UCL. Chemicals used in consumer products are a priority for Target, the guests, and the suppliers. Target has a strong track record of leadership in identifying, reducing, and eliminating substances in its products, supply chain, and operations when they demonstrate a potential risk to our guests or team members.
At Novi, we’re determined to lead this work and show how a proactive stance on chemicals is beneficial to our business, our guests, and the world. All vendors with Target Clean products have been instructed to adhere to this list by their first transition/revision date in 2023.
Will I still see the old Target Clean Policy?
Yes. When you sign in to Novi, you will see Target Clean 2023 and Target Clean 2019. Both policies are available for brands to select and compare the differences.
Let Novi help you meet Target Clean 2023
Novi has over 65 industry-wide ingredient policies and standards, from Target Clean to animal welfare. Each time a retailer, government, or certifying body updates their standard, Novi automatically encodes the updates in the app.
Novi’s platform powers values-based shopping for leading CPG retailers and brands. Retailers can learn more about how Novi accelerates the speed, accuracy, and revenue of values-based shopping programs here. Brands can learn how Novi helps capture growing customer demand for values-based products here.
Credo’s SPG is outlined in four phases, of which the first two are actively in progress. As of June 2021, Credo has eliminated the use of single-use packaging for all products by their 130+ brand partners. Phase 2 calls for better materials, and the deadline to meet these requirements is June 1, 2024.
- No single-use items (masks, wipes, sample packettes, etc.)
- No PVC (#3 plastic), BPA/BPS, or PFAs
- Petroleum-derived plastic must contain 50% or greater recycled content, OR be replaced by a more sustainable material
- All plastics must be identified by an RIC (#1, 2, 4, 5, 6, or 7) or abbreviation (e.g. PET, PP, Mixed).
- All paper products must be at least one of the following: Ancient Forest Friendly; FSC certified paper; 75%+ recycled paper (by weight); Tree free, or non-wood fiber grown and harvested in a sustainable manner
Grove Collaborative applies their packaging standards to all products on their site, and they strive to utilize the best available packaging solutions at the time.
- No single use plastic
- About 80% or more of the packaging weight is not plastic (a percentage which will rise over time)
- Refillable over recyclable
- Monomaterial components
- #1, #2, and #5 plastics, if plastic is absolutely necessary
- Lightweight candidates
- The highest percentage of PCR possible for components of any material
Additionally, Grove Co. is currently working on a pilot initiative, Beyond Plastic, which aims to be 100% plastic-free by 2025. Here are its definitions, which incorporate some of the general standards listed above:
- Primary packaging is not plastic (excluding coatings, lacquers and liners)
- No single use external plastic packaging or wrap
- ~ 80%+ of the product and packaging weight is not plastic
- For the remaining ~20% plastic, there should be no readily available alternatives or the remaining volume should be in the process of being phased out within a year, maximum.
- 20% plastic is not in perpetuity, just as a starting point. The goal remains to be effectively plastic free by the end of 2025.
- Use of plastic cannot negatively impact recyclability
Lastly, Grove also offers a mail-back collection service for plastic packaging, pouches, and tubes. See more details in their FAQ.
Target’s sustainability strategy, Target Forward, incorporates packaging requirements that can be best summarized in three major points: eliminate/reduce where possible, drive a circular market, and encourage good habits. By 2025, Target intends to have 100% of their owned brand plastic packaging be recyclable, compostable or reusable. On March 2022, Target announced their Target Zero program, which designates products that feature packaging under the specific guidelines.
- No PVC (#3), PVDC, or PS (#6)
- Products must be curbside recyclable (#1 and #2 plastics)
- Petroleum-derived plastic must contain 50% or greater recycled content, OR be30% or more of packaging must be made from PCR materials replaced by a more sustainable material
- Refillable
- Reusable
- Certified compostable elements
- Certified compostable elements
Ulta Beauty’s Conscious Beauty policy provides guidelines for product formulations as well as packaging.
- Made from 50% PCR or PIR materials, or
- Made from 50% bio-based materials, or
- Be recyclable, or
- Be refillable.
Certifying bodies and other available resources
Many retailers incorporate other third-party certifications in their own packaging standards; brands and suppliers may pursue these certifications as well, depending on the policy. While they can be costly, third-party policies can provide further credibility for any environmental claims made.
In addition to policies, there are numerous resources available for sourcing, disposal, and further education on packaging.
The Ancient Forest Friendly™ designation by Canopy represents “the highest ecological qualities in the paper industry.” Ancient Forest Friendly pulp and paper is free of ancient or endangered forest fiber, made with 100% recycled or straw paper, and is whitened without chlorine.
BPI is a science-driven organization that supports a shift to the circular economy by promoting the production, use, and appropriate end of lives for materials and products that are designed to fully biodegrade in specific biologically active environments.
Their certification mark indicates third-party verification of compostability for manufacturers and brands to use on products and packaging.
Ecocert provides certification for 150+ standards in numerous industries, including cosmetics. Some of their most popular certifications include USDA Organic, Fair Trade (FFL), and Cosmos Organic.
See Ecocert’s full list of certifications.
FSC certification ensures that products (usually paper, cardboard, wood, etc.) come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. They own three registered trademarks:
• The initials FSC®
• The name Forest Stewardship Council®
• The checkmark-and-tree logo figure
How2Recycle (H2R) is a standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public.
Novi’s packaging solutions
Sourcing new components can be difficult, especially when it comes to verifying numerous claims. At Novi, our packaging experts will help you source, sample, and order verified components– whether you’re looking for something that’s compostable, curbside recyclable, 75% PCR, or more.
Pact is a nonprofit collective committed to action and education surrounding beauty recycling. They offer in-store drop-off and mail back collection programs for hard-to-recycle beauty packaging, and share other information on packaging production, material claims, recycling rates, and more.
