What or Who is an Ulin?

An Ulin tree, scientific name Eusideroxylon, is a super-hardwood tree to be found in Borneo. As well as being one of the most resilient trees in the world, it’s also a favoured nesting habitat for the Orangutan, a critically endangered species and friend to man. Indeed, you probably know that ‘Orang’ and ‘Hutan’ are Malay words for ‘Man’ and ‘Forest’ respectively and were originally used to describe people who lived in the rainforest rather than the familiar primate.

As a young army officer I spent about a year of my life on the island of Borneo, in Brunei and Sarawak, much of it in the jungle. I was overawed by the biodiversity - but also man’s ability to obliterate Natural Capital as we cleared vast tracts of primary rainforest, often for the sake of a few precious hardwood trees. So, when I decided to set up a new business focused on addressing the twin themes of sustainability and resilience, it seemed to me that the Ulin Tree was the perfect symbol for the brand.