Company profile
Synthesia Nitrocellulose, a.s. continues a tradition of more than 100 years of cellulose derivatives production at the SemtinZone site in Pardubice. With the establishment of an independent subsidiary in 2024, we gained the space to focus exclusively on this specialized production segment – cellulose derivatives, organic solvents, inorganic acids and salts. One of the product groups consists of high-quality haemostats made from non-regenerated oxidized cellulose, which we supply to the market under the OKCEL® brand.
Thanks to reliable deliveries, the expertise of our employees, and the consistent quality of our products, we are one of the world´s leading manufacturers. Today, we supply our products to customers in more than 60 countries around the world.
We constantly invest in the modernization of our technological equipment, which allows us to improve the quality, safety and sustainability of our production.
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1920
the history of our company begins with foundation of “Československá akciová továrna for explosive chemicals”
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1923
start of nitrocellulose production (energetic grades)
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1925
start of production of nitric and sulphuric acid
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1939
start of plant construction for the production of dyes and pharmaceuticals in Pardubice - Rybitví
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1942
start of API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) production
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1950
start of nitrocellulose production (industrial grades)
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1994
Synthesia is transformed into a joint stock company
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90´s
gradual development of oxidized cellulose production
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2004
OKCEL® trademark assignment
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2006
new plant for production of oxidized cellulose and its derivatives
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2009
the only majority shareholder becomes AGROFERT HOLDING, a.s
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2010
assingment of CE mark for haemostatic products marketed under the brand OKCEL®
launch of products OKCEL® H-T (standard knitted form) and OKCEL® H-D (heavy duty knitted form) -
2012
introduction of a non-woven absorbable haemostat OKCEL® F with layered structure
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2020
OKCEL® S introduction - new innovative strengthened cotton wool form of oxidized cellulose based haemostat
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2024
the KAPRAIN Group becomes the only majority shareholder
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2025
transformation into the company Synthesia Nitrocellulose, a.s. (a subsidiary of Synthesia, a.s.)
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2026
Colt CZ group becomes majority shareholder
Quality and manufacturing
OKCEL® is certified quality you can rely on.
As a Class III medical device, OKCEL® must meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy required for medical products. The products bear the CE mark, awarded by the Czech testing company with international scope, ITC Zlín (Institute for Testing and Certification, Inc.), which confirms compliance with all applicable EU standards regulating the manufacture of medical devices.
Our quality management system has been designed to maximize overall efficiency throughout the entire process chain, enhance customer satisfaction, and comply with the requirements of the international standard ISO 13485: 2016 and the European Medical Device Regulation 2017/745 (MDR). We also hold the MDSAP certificate, which demonstrates compliance with ISO 13485 standard and regulatory requirements of the countries participating in the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP).
Quality starts with people.
In our company, we emphasize carefully trained production staff who are fully aware that our products are intended for use in the human body which brings high demands on the safety, reliability, and functionality of each product. At all levels, we strive to ensure that our solutions facilitate surgical procedures and at the same time contribute to improving the quality of patient care.
years of experience with haemostats
millions of surgical procedures
world continents
The BU Oxycellulose quality policy:
TOP management undertakes to manufacture safe and fully functional medical devices in accordance with applicable legal / regulatory requirements and to adhere to the surveillance and vigilance procedures relating to medical devices in order to ensure customer and end user satisfaction.
To achieve this goal, we have a team of skilled and competent staff, where each manager is responsible for enhancing quality in their department, while taking into account the quality improvement objectives not only in their area but throughout the company. Thus, each worker contributes to realizing the company's strategic goals.
In addition, TOP management undertakes to maintain the effectiveness of the quality management system using a process-based approach to setting goals for each quality management system area that is annually reviewed.
Sustainability
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibility towards our employees, customers and society as a whole is firmly embedded in our corporate strategy. Our commitment to sustainability towards current and future generations is a natural part of all our company's activities, it is reflected in corporate guidelines, but also in development projects and long-term activities.
Improvements over the last 5 years:
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| Thanks to the investment in greening the energy source for 1.75 billion CZK, we reduced CO2 emissions by 60 % compared to 1990. | In addition to CO2 emissions, energy consumption and heat production from fossil fuels also decreased during the monitored period. We are gradually increasing the ratio of using fuels from renewable sources instead of fossil fuels. | In addition to the saving of water used, there was also a significiant reduction in the volume of wastewater discharge, the pollution of which was bellow the level of charging limits. |
Synthesia's global responsibility is clearly documented in the Sustainable Development Report.
Research and development
Research and development is a key area of future growth and innovation for our company. Every year we increase our investments in research projects, technological equipment and human resource development. We continuously improve existing technologies and focus on process optimization, which allows us to stay ahead of the competition.
To maintain a high standard of product quality and end-user satisfaction while introducing new innovations, we closely cooperate with educational institutions in the chemical and technical fields, research institutes, surgeons and other healthcare professionals, including the following:
Our cooperation with educational institutions takes many forms, including excursions, apprenticeships and assisting students in preparing their expert theses. We offer a TRAINEE programme designed specifically for university graduates.