Forestwise was established in 2018 by Dirk-Jan Oudshoorn, aiming to protect the rainforests of Borneo by developing a market for naturally harvested forest products, particularly Illipe butter. This product is not only a substitute for cocoa butter in the cosmetics and food industries but also helps local communities increase their income and become more committed to forest conservation.
The company collaborates with over 700 farmers in 27 villages in Borneo to harvest Illipe nuts, which are processed at a factory in Sintang, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Forestwise’s Illipe butter is certified organic and fair trade by Ecocert, meeting international standards such as USDA Organic and Fair for Life.
Forestwise’s Illipe butter products have been used by major brands like Lush, due to their moisturizing properties and high melting point, making them suitable for cosmetic and food products requiring thermal stability.
Forestwise received a grant of $455,000 from P4G to expand its operations, aiming to reduce over 340,000 tons of CO₂ emissions by 2025, create nearly 50 jobs, and support 1,800 farmers, working towards the goal of conserving 100,000 hectares of rainforest by 2026.
Participating in the P4G Vietnam Summit 2025, Forestwise introduced a sustainable forest economy model based on Illipe butter products to numerous domestic and international partners. With support from the National Startup Support Center (NSSC), Forestwise had the opportunity to connect with investors and partners interested in green development, seeking new collaboration opportunities and spreading the message of forest protection linked to community livelihoods.
Forestwise’s model helps people increase their income, thus strengthening their commitment to forest protection. Instead of cutting down trees for land, they harvest, process, and export what the forest provides. This approach not only contributes to reducing emissions and conserving biodiversity but also opens up a green, inclusive pathway for the local economy.
