MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Forest Stewardship Council,  an independent nonprofit organization that promotes healthy management of forests, has announced the 2025 FSC Leadership Award winners. Now in their 14th year, the awards recognize excellence in the use of FSC-certified products, materials, and commitment to responsible forest management across industries, as well as in advocacy, conservation, and leadership in the FSC community.

“We are proud to recognize the following 12 organizations with Leadership Awards—celebrating those who are showing what it means to lead for forests, people, and markets," says Sarah Billig, FSC US president. "From innovation on the forest floor, to transformation in manufacturing and packaging, to leadership in the built environment, these awardees are proving that sustainability and business success go hand in hand. Each of them represents a piece of the larger story we’re writing together—that when we value forests in all the ways they matter, we build stronger communities, healthier ecosystems, and a more resilient future.”

2025 FSC Leadership Award Winners:

• Chestnut Carbon, President’s Award Winner - A developer of nature-based carbon removal projects, Chestnut builds long-term projects that offset carbon emissions by cultivating biodiverse forest ecosystems, improving air and water quality, and supporting local communities.

• Cass County Land Department – For continuous FSC certification on 257,719 acres for 25 years on, one of Minnesota’s largest county-administered forest systems, with a philosophy of inclusive, community-centered land stewardship.

• EdgeGrain by Zena Forest Products - For utilizing offcuts and wood from small-diameter trees - materials historically discarded or overlooked - Zena EdgeGrain significantly increases log yield while supporting forest restoration efforts.

• EFM Investments & Advisory – for commitment to fish-forward, climate-smart forestry that builds forest health, species diversity, structural complexity, health, and resilience, and creates value for tribal and non-tribal communities.

• Pasque Paper Products – For supporting their Wolf Creek Hutterite Colony through the efficient production of FSC-certified bath tissue. Their mission is to provide customers with the highest quality paper products while minimizing environmental impact.

• RoyOMartin – For the management of nearly 550,000 acres of FSC certified timberland and manufacturing assets since 2002, ensuring they can continue providing the products our customers and communities need for years to come.

• Teakhaus – For utilizing FSC Teak “waste logs”, transforming them into award-winning cutting boards and intentionally creating positive social impact for the communities creating them.

• The Estée Lauder Companies – For the ambition to use responsibly sourced paper products whenever possible, with a goal to have 100% of their forest-based fiber cartons FSC certified by 2025.

• TorZo Surfaces by Trillium Pacific Millwork – For manufacturing FSC Recycled Thin CLT panels made using scrap wood that would normally go to a landfill. Trillium Pacific Millwork has been FSC certified since 2009.

In addition, the following building project was awarded a 2025 FSC Leadership Award:

• The Seattle Aquarium Society, LMN Architects, and the Turner Construction Company for the Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion. The 50,000sq ft project’s façade utilized 100% FSC Alaskan Yellow Cedar sourced from Taan Forestry, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Haida Nation’s Haida Enterprise Corporation.