ABOUT FORESTWISE

• Forestwise was founded by Theo Smits and Dirk-Jan Oudshoorn in 2018, following their extensive first-hand experience of the devastating effects of deforestation in Borneo. Headquartered in The Netherlands and operating on the ground from the Indonesian West Kalimantan region of the island of Borneo, Forestwise is helping to reduce deforestation by working with local communities to wild-harvest natural rainforest ingredients for the cosmetic and food industries without harming it.
• Since 1970, 56% of the rainforest of Borneo has been subject to deforestation, predominantly due to palm oil plantations. The overall aim of Forestwise is to preserve the remaining 44%, and is doing so by creating what it calls ‘Rainforest Value’.
• The company helps local communities make a stable and sustainable income by harvesting natural butters and oils from the rainforest in a conservative and non-degenerative manner. By increasing the economic value of the land, the company is incentivising communities to protect it. It is said that one hectare of wild-harvested crops can yield EUR 3,000 (USD 3,120) a year, whereas the same area will only deliver EUR 1,440 (USD 1,497) under palm oil production.
• The company’s harvesting and processing methods include collecting fallen nuts from the forest floor, river washing, sun drying and cold pressing, and are certified by Ecocert with the Fair for Life certificate. Fair for Life is a stringent independent certification far exceeding the scope of Fairtrade. Where applicable, products are also certified organic.
• Ingredients currently processed in this way include Organic FFL Illipe Butter (various grades), COSMOS Buah Merah Oil, Organic FFL Kukui Nut Oil, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Coconut Flower Sugar and Organic Arenga Rainforest Sugar. These ingredients are suitable for both cosmetic and food products, with the company’s illipe butter experiencing a surge in demand in 2020 due to the growth of waterless, solid beauty products. Its high melting point makes it ideal for use in solid shampoos, body washes, conditioners and so on.
• Farmers, communities, cooperatives, villages or any other organisation that legally owns, manages or administers a forest area can apply to join Forestwise, who will work with the entity to best conserve the area and unlock ‘Rainforest Value’.
• Alongside generating economic value from the remaining rainforest, Forestwise also conserves wildlife, safeguards fresh water, fresh air and fertile soils. The production of Forestwise products has no negative impact on local flora, fauna and ecosystems.
• Forestwise has its own factory (PT Forestwise Wild Keepers) in Sintang, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, to process and distribute its products. Opened in 2020, the factory currently employs 30 Indonesian local workers during peak periods across all areas of the business.
• The company ships globally, including to the UK, US and Europe. To expand its reach, Forestwise sells to both manufacturers and directly to consumers as requested. Partnerships with Jan Dekker, Lush, Tembawang, DKSH, Premier Specialties, Faravelli, Alfa Chemicals and Raw Map see Forestwise products brought to global markets.
• In addition to its own established practices, Forestwise partners with Partnerships for Forests and Insead to support their work conserving the rainforests of Borneo. It is possible to invest in Forestwise directly or through the reNature programme.