OptiCept, in collaboration with its partner BCC, has signed agreements with several prominent forestry companies and growers in South Africa. The aim is to accelerate the commercialization of OptiBoost technology in the South African market. Initially, the companies will test the patented vacuum impregnation technology on selected cuttings from various tree species over a 12-month period. The startup is planned for Q3 2024, and the participating companies will share the costs.

Among the participating companies is Mondi Group, with whom OptiCept has previously conducted projects. Mondi is a multinational packaging and paper group. The company is seen as a global leader in packaging and paper and is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. The company produces around 30 million cuttings annually.

Another participant is Sappi, a leading global supplier of wood fiber-based products. Globally, Sappi has 11,600 employees and manufacturing on three continents (eight production facilities in Western Europe, four in North America, and five in southern Africa). Sappi produces approximately 35 million cuttings annually.

“We are very pleased to start this project in South Africa with the industry's leading players. An OptiBoost unit will be transported between the different companies with the help of BCC and can cost-effectively offer evaluations to several actors in a shorter period. We therefore see great potential in this project,” says Thomas Lundqvist, CEO of OptiCept Technologies.

In addition to the mentioned companies, Sutherland Seedlings is also included, and an additional five companies are expected to join. Altogether, these actors produce over 40 million cuttings annually.

The South African forestry sector (forestry and forest products) is prominent in a global context and thus an important market for OptiCept. The country currently has about 1,200,000 hectares of cultivated forest, primarily Eucalyptus and Pine, but also Acacia.

The forestry sector in South Africa contributes about 1% of the country's GDP and is ranked among the highest exporting industries in the country. Since 1970, the annual growth rate of the pulp and paper manufacturing industry has exceeded the international average and has significantly contributed to South Africa's economy.