Walmart and Target talk sustainability

In a highly unusual alliance, rival retailers Walmart and Target have agreed to co-host an industry summit to address sustainability issues in the personal care products market.

The Beauty and Personal Care Products Sustainability Summit took place earlier this month in Chicago and was organized by Forum for the Future, the global sustainability non-profit.

The meeting evolved through conversations over a period of time with both companies. “We see each other at many events,” explained Helen Clarkson, Forum’s U.S. director.

Both Walmart and Target took to Twitter to remark on their momentous partnership.

“Do you think people will be surprised? Great way to spur sustainability convos … MT,” tweeted Target. It followed up with: “This is one uncommon collab you want to watch.”

Meanwhile, Walmart tweeted: “Walmart + Target + sustainability leaders = opportunity to make a difference. See you in September!”

A Target spokeswoman said the event will bring together product manufacturers, other retailers, NGOs, and industry influencers for a conversation about a collaborative approach to beauty product sustainability.

“The summit is a result of both companies wanting to create more sustainable products for our guests, team members and the environment. Consumers want and expect leadership from their retailers when it comes to the quality and sustainability of the products they buy,” said Target spokeswoman Kristy Welker. “To that end, both companies recognize that this is an issue where we have common interests and can collaborate to create change within the beauty and personal care industry.”

Surveys have been sent to participants about their areas of most concern. The feedback will be used to whittle the agenda into three specific topics. Attendance will be held to about 80 and the one day event will take on a workshop format.
Procter & Gamble, the maker of Cover Girl and Olay, L’Oréal and other large consumer packaged goods companies are expected to attend. Burt’s Bee, a leader in the natural beauty product sector, is among those already committed.

The US beauty industry has been criticized for its lack of cohesion on ingredient use and labeling topics. For the most part it still falls under the dated Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938, that provides for much self-regulation. A bill introduced in Congress last year to strengthen cosmetics oversight has not gotten serious consideration.

Separately, the Personal Care Products Council, an industry scientific group, had been in talks with the Food & Drug Administration, to jointly author legislation addressing product standards. But the two parties hit an impasse earlier this year and talks have stalled.