Revolutionizing Forestry Economy: Underforest Select

Yi-Jen Tu's Innovative Approach to Sustainable Forestry Management

For decades, Taiwan's government has been implementing policies to protect primeval forests and encourage afforestation. However, these policies posed a challenge for forest owners to maintain their livelihood through forest management. In response to this, the Forestry Bureau launched the "Under Forest Economy" policy in 2020. This policy promotes the coexistence of forest ecologies and encourages foresters to cultivate plants and livestock to increase their income. Yi-Jen Tu, in collaboration with the government, launched the brand "Underforest: Select" to support local foresters in South Taiwan.

The unique feature of this project is its partnership with the government to build the leading brand for the under-forest economy. Through image integration and packaging specification, the designers were able to reduce material costs without compromising quality. This strengthened the brand identity and increased the value of their products. The logo, consisting of four forest-green triangles, represents the Chinese Character for "Forest", conveying the idea of coexistence with the forests. The packaging uses simili paper to create the sense of touching the woods and is decorated with hot foil stamping in matte gold, symbolizing the economic potential in the forests.

Yi-Jen Tu and his team's innovative approach to design and branding has been recognized with a Silver A' Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

The Underforest Select project started in Taichung, Taiwan in October 2020 and ended in Chiayi, Taiwan, in January 2021. The brand launch event was held in Chiayi Chukou Nature Center on January 22, 2021. The project's success can be attributed to the effective collaboration between the government, the foresters, and the brand "Underforest: Select". This collaboration promotes the idea that productive economic activity and ecology can co-exist, revolutionizing the concept of forestry economy.

The Underforest Select project is a testament to the power of innovative design in addressing real-world challenges. It serves as an inspiration for future projects that aim to balance economic sustainability and ecological preservation. The project's success is a reminder of the potential of design to create meaningful change and contribute to a more sustainable future.