Previously, "As You Sow," an organization that promotes corporate accountability, filed shareholder proposals with Target, asking the company to "assess the reputational, financial and operational risks associated with continued use of foam packing materials and a timeline to phase out its use," as reported on asyousow.org.

The retailer acknowledged concern in regards to the foam packaging, the limited availability of recycling options and foam’s role in contributing to plastic pollution on land and in waterways.

Scientists estimate that oceans already contain 150 million tons of plastic, with 8 million tons added every year. And according to ellenmacarthurfoundation.org, oceans will contain more plastic than fish by 2050 if action isn’t taken quickly to dramatically reduce the flow of plastics into waterways. 

Dell and Ikea have previously announced a reduction or phase out of polystyrene foam as a packing material in favor of safer, more sustainable materials like molded pulp. And McDonald’s Corp. switched from foam to paper cups in 2013.

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