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.

We’re delighted to welcome a new Research Team Lead to our growing staff. Marianna Bokou has a background in Market Access and Quality Assurance in several pharmaceutical companies. She also holds an MSc in Health Economics, Policy & Management from the Karolinska Institutet and a BA in Pharmacy. We pride ourselves on our multi-lingual team and Marianna is no exception. A native of Athens, Greece, she moved to Sweden in 2022 to study for her MSc and is learning Swedish fast, in addition to her fluency in English and German and her native Greek.

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is the biggest overhaul of European packaging rules in years. Currently under review by the European Parliament and Council, launched in November 2022, it aims to reduce Europe’s packaging waste and promote reusable alternatives. It includes proposals for packaging reduction targets for Member States and strict reusable and refill targets for in-store dining and takeaway services.

Market research within its health division is the foundational strategy to drive informed business decision-making for the different stakeholders in the healthcare industry. Opticom’s approach for market research involves a multi-faceted methodology, deeply integrated with strategic consulting, and supported by our industry knowledge, to deliver actionable insights that directly impact clients' business outcomes. 

The Unseen Environmental Cost of Pharmaceuticals  In the modern world, pharmaceuticals offering relief and cure to many health conditions. Yet, beneath this healing facade lies an often-overlooked consequence—environmental pollution. The journey of pharmaceuticals, from their production to their disposal, demonstrates significant risks to different ecosystems, particularly aquatic life, and by extension, human health.   In this upcoming series of articles, Opticom will delve into the critical yet often overlooked issue of pharmaceutical waste and its environmental consequences. Our first piece sheds light on the significant barrier presented by a lack of public awareness regarding the safe disposal of unused or expired medications. This topic aligns with Opticom's commitment to fostering informed discussions and better solutions, as we explore the intersection of both healthcare and environmental sustainability. By initiating this series, Opticom aims to inspire actionable change, reflecting our dedication to addressing complex global challenges through insightful analysis and strategic guidance. 

We’re delighted to welcome a new Research Team Lead to our growing staff. Marianna Bokou has a background in Market Access and Quality Assurance in several pharmaceutical companies. She also holds an Msc in Health Economics, Policy & Management from the renowned Swedish medical university, Karolinska Institutet, and a BA in Pharmacy.

Q: Why investing in international market research during times of uncertainty? 

A: It’s a strategic move for decision-makers and business leaders. 

In an ever-evolving global landscape, uncertainty has become the new constant. For businesses seeking growth and stability, the necessity of understanding international markets cannot be overstated. In this article, we delve into why decision-makers and business leaders should consider international market research an invaluable investment, particularly during times of uncertainty.

This year Opticom celebrates 35 years of helping the industry see the wood for the trees.

Eco-labels, forest certifications, carbon offsets, SBTs, and now sweeping new legislation on its way from Brussels in the form of the European Regulation on Deforestation-free products (EUDR). There are so many tools, stamps and certificates when it comes to sustainability that navigating your way through what works and what doesn’t can appear something of a legislative jungle.

You might be forgiven for thinking we have a one-track mind when it comes to listening. We’re always talking about the value of listening to customers and indeed other stakeholders in the value chain before making decisions, but it’s with good reason. The graveyard of business failures is littered with those who didn’t grasp what their customers were trying to tell them until it was too late.

Last month, we had the pleasure of attending an IVA (Ingenjörsvetenskaps-akademien) Seminar in Stockholm.

In the December edition of the Opticom Life Science Industry Newsletter, we are excited to share our commitment to change and global impact; we're also excited to unveil our new brand and website. Carl Michael Bergman, reflects on the remarkable growth and collaborations in 2023 across 65 countries. The newsletter also explores Opticom's 36-year commitment to environmental sustainability in healthcare and life sciences. Additionally, explore our recent study comparing AI chatbots to physicians in patient experience, revealing AI's potential to surpass human responses in both quality and empathy, prompting discussions on the future of emotional intelligence in medical practice.

In a recent exploration of patient experience, an intriguing revelation emerged from an article in JAMA Internal Medicine dated April 28th, 2023. The study posed a question: Can an artificial intelligence chatbot assistant rival physicians in providing responses of comparable quality and empathy to patient questions?

In 1987, our journey began with a resolute commitment to addressing the pressing environmental challenges that lay ahead. From the very inception, we at Opticom have been steadfast in our passion for fostering a sustainable future. Grounded in facts and propelled by various trend studies, we endeavored to make environmental consciousness a critical factor for the healthcare and life industry. Today, on our 36th anniversary, we proudly reflect on the transformative journey we've embarked upon.