Forestwise, supplier of raw ingredients that are sustainably sourced from Indonesian rainforests, has announced the opening of its new factory in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The factory’s innovative storage system helps guarantee a ready supply of Illipe butter all-year round, even during non-harvest seasons.
Dirk-Jan Oudshoorn, founder and CEO of Forestwise, said: “Forestwise was created with one goal in mind: to stop deforestation. And we aim to achieve this by developing a market for valuable rainforest products that are wild harvested from rainforests without causing any damage to the environment. We partner with rainforest communities to harvest ingredients like nuts, oil, and rainforest sugar — all of which are processed into raw materials that can be used in food and cosmetic applications. And since we purchase the ingredients directly from local communities, all our unique, high quality products are fully traceable to the source.”
Produced from the nuts of the endangered Shorea stenoptera tree, which only grows in the forests of Borneo, Illipe butter is traditionally used by local villagers to moisturise their skin and to heal sores and sunburns. The moisturising efficacy and high melting point of Illipe butter make it an ideal ingredient for solid formulations — such as lipsticks, face masks, and even shampoo, soap, and lotion bars — especially useful for brands looking to tap into the sustainable packaging trend.
Manufacturers and formulators can also use Illipe butter from Forestwise to cater to consumers’ demands for ethical products. Forestwise currently contracts over 700 farmers in 27 different villages in Borneo to collect Illipe nuts. The company’s wild harvesting efforts help to protect the Shorea strenoptera trees and to empower local communities while conserving their habitat. Additionally, Forestwise has, to date, increased average villagers’ yearly incomes by 16%.
Furthermore, Forestwise’s supply chain processes allow the company to track and control its entire supply network, from when the nut falls to the ground, to the refining and production process. The novel ingredient is also certified Fair for Life, USDA NOP Organic, and EU Organic by Ecocert.
“With our transparent supply chain processes, manufacturers have complete assurance over the source of our ingredients,” Oudshoorn said. “Our ability to offer fully traceable Illipe butter also offers manufacturers the opportunity to participate in guaranteeing fair pay, as well as environmentally friendly, ethical sourcing within their supply network.”
