In our latest Health Newsletter we're excited to bring you an exclusive interview with Johan Juhlin, CEO of Mavatar, sharing his insights on the evolving landscape of health innovation. We also feature a testimonial from Petter S. Lindqvist, CEO of Isofol, highlighting their impactful journey in oncology.

Plus, don't miss our latest updates on discussions with Life Science companies, industry organizations, and patient advocates as we prepare for Almedalsveckan 2025.

Read the full newsletter here!

This past June, Opticom was excited to participate in Almedalsveckan 2024, an annual event that brings together industry leaders in Sweden to discuss key public policy, business, and technology trends. Our team's engagement in these discussions was met with enthusiasm, highlighting our commitment to leading and innovating within our industry.

We know that most consumers strongly support the green transition, that they like the idea of bio-based products, but they are still not keen on the idea of cutting down trees to help produce them. There’s a disconnect when it comes to understanding that harvesting sustainably-managed forests has huge potential to be part of the solution, not the problem.

We understand that trees evoke an emotional response, and there is no question that we need to protect old-growth and high-value conservation areas, but as the bioeconomy and increased competition from new sectors drive demand for forest materials, how can we meet this rising demand without cutting down more trees? Competition for wood resources is intensifying at a time when supply has tightened, whether from natural disasters, geopolitical forces (Russian exports of wood have halted since its invasion of Ukraine) or mounting regulation.

Every three years, we conduct an in-depth customer study for SCA Containerboard. Mikael Frölander, VP Sales & Marketing SCA Containerboard, explains why:

“We got the results of our latest study from Opticom in June, and we are currently analysing the findings. This is the fourth in the regular series, so we have been working with Opticom to better understand our customers for over a decade. Consistency is important. As well as understanding the mood of the day, we can also track and monitor our performance and the market as viewed by our customers over time. We can see what customers perceive we have done well, where we’ve improved or where there is more to be done. The beauty of this study is that Opticom knows us, understands the industry, and can gather meaningful, reliable and detailed feedback on our behalf.”

Malin joined us in March, bringing a wealth of marketing and communications expertise from her experience in manufacturing and automotive sectors, as well as real estate. She has a track record of understanding complex value chains, discerning customer needs, and a particular interest in digital media.

At Opticom, sustainability has been a core value since our foundation in 1987. As we guide our clients through their most pressing sustainability challenges, we believe in leading by example. For the third consecutive time, we have been certified by EcoVadis, earning the Silver Medal (Top 15%) while continuously improving our scores.

The forest industry is possibly the greenest industry we know! It must be, as an industry dependent on forests cannot afford to neglect or destroy the very resource it relies on for survival.

Welcome to the latest edition of Opticom's Health Newsletter! Across Europe, the health and life sciences industry are rapidly evolving with significant advancements in digital health technologies and personalized medicine. The EU's regulatory landscape is adapting to support these innovations, ensuring patient safety while fostering technological growth. Globally, there is a marked increase in the adoption of telemedicine and AI-driven diagnostics, which are revolutionizing patient care and operational efficiencies in healthcare systems.

On May 6th 2024, the doors of Forskaren opened, marking a significant milestone in the realm of scientific and technological innovation. Representing Opticom, we were privileged to be among the attendees at this momentous event, witnessing the unveiling of a space that promises to redefine the landscape of research and development.

The pharmaceutical industry plays a crucial role in global healthcare but its operations have a significant environmental impact. From the production process to the disposal of medications, the industry contributes to a considerable carbon footprint. This issue has prompted various global initiatives, including notable efforts, such as the ones in Sweden and the USA, which aim to reduce the environmental impact of pharmaceutical activities. Addressing these issues requires innovative solutions and collaborative efforts, reflecting Opticom's commitment to integrating environmental sustainability with strategic business insights.

It’s been a busy quarter here, not least because we are seeing increased demand for our services when it comes to sustainability issues. Clearly, all things green, and listening to what consumers as well as direct customers are saying and thinking about sustainability, is key - now more than ever.

Don’t take our word for it. That’s the view from SCA Pulp’s Sales Director for Italy and Austria, Marcus Hellberg, who recently hosted a workshop event with us to review the results of their latest in-depth customer study with Opticom.

Swedish forest products group Södra has been working with Opticom for some 20 years to track customer satisfaction for its pulp products. Now its Bioproducts team has added us to its toolbox, conducting the company’s first in-depth survey of its growing solid bioproducts customer base.

Green Insights Europe 2024 is an in-depth study of more than 10,000 European consumers. Skogsindustrierna, the Swedish Forest Industries Federation, commissioned Opticom to examine their perceptions on climate, purchases, carbon capture and forest resources.

It was such a pleasure to be part of the excellent Skogsindustriernas Framtidsmöte 2024 on Wednesday the 24th of April. Organised by the Swedish Forest Industries Federation, this event never disappoints, provoking discussion of the major issues facing the sector today. We extend heartfelt thanks to team Skogsindustrierna fellow speakers, prize winners, and the wonderful audience. Grateful for all!

In a critical evaluation of current environmental strategies, the concept of carbon neutrality is increasingly viewed as insufficient in tackling the urgent demands of the climate crisis. This white paper argues for a vital shift towards substantial carbon reduction and genuine offsetting methods.

Our first newsletter of the year is packed with everything from the critical issue of pharmaceutical waste and its environmental consequences, to making informed decisions in the healthcare industry with the help of market research, and you get to meet the newest member of our Team; Marianna Bokou!

Our first newsletter of the year is packed with everything from EUDR, PPWR, how to re-focus Carbon Neutrality, and you get to meet the newest member of our Team; Marianna Bokou!

It was a pleasure to speak on the hot topic of the European Regulation on Deforestation-free products (EUDR) at Tissue World Miami at the beginning of February, together with Marcus Hellberg, SCA’s Sales Director, Italy and Austria.

As the urgency for climate mitigation intensifies, we’re hearing a lot of pledging these days, primarily aimed at meeting carbon-neutral targets (net-zero emissions) later rather than sooner. Could companies be doing more to have a more immediate impact? The answer is a resounding yes, as Project Manager David Weller, explains.