Zoono Shares Jump 40% After Securing NZ$5M Mpact Partnership in South Africa

Zoono Surges as New Five-Year Mpact Deal Expands Global Footprint

Zoono Group (ASX: ZNO) saw its share price surge 40 percent today after announcing a new five-year exclusive contract with Mpact Operations, the largest packaging and recycling company in South Africa. The deal gives Mpact the rights to use Zoono’s antimicrobial shelf-life extension technology across corrugated packaging for grapes, stone fruit, and berries in the South African market. The agreement includes a minimum purchase commitment of roughly NZ$5M, with deliveries expected to begin in December 2025.

What makes this development particularly interesting is the growing commercial momentum behind Zoono’s packaging technology. The company had previously partnered with a major European food packaging manufacturer in the UK, and this latest deal represents its first step into the African market. It reinforces that global packaging leaders are beginning to recognise Zoono’s solution as a credible way to extend the shelf life of fresh produce, reduce waste, and improve efficiency across supply chains.

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Zoono Group’s Antimicrobial Technology

Zoono’s latest quarterly update also points to steady traction in Asia, where the company continues to expand its footprint across China, Korea, and India. In the first quarter of FY26, it secured additional orders from a large Japanese pharmaceutical company that will apply Zoono’s products in the tactile industry. Together with its partner OSY Group, Zoono is now conducting 50 active trials, five more than the previous quarter, spanning four continents and involving major supermarket chains, food producers, packaging companies, and exporters.

The Zoono Molecule for Long-Lasting Antimicrobial Protection

ZNO Group is a New Zealand–based biotechnology company that develops, manufactures, and distributes antimicrobial and hygiene solutions designed to improve public health and reduce waste across multiple industries. The company’s mission is centered on enhancing health and well-being through safer, longer-lasting protection against germs and pathogens, particularly in sectors like food, healthcare, and consumer products, where contamination and spoilage can lead to significant losses.

At the heart of its innovation is the Zoono molecule, a proprietary antimicrobial agent that bonds to virtually any surface, forming a microscopic protective layer that kills bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Once applied, the coating continues to provide active protection for extended periods, with laboratory results showing it can extend the usable life of organic products by up to 30 days.

ZNO operates through three main revenue streams. The first is the direct sale of its branded sprays, foams, and surface coatings to consumers and businesses. The second is technology licensing, where partners pay upfront and ongoing fees to incorporate Zoono’s antimicrobial technology into their own products and packaging. The third is through strategic partnerships, such as those recently established in the UK and South Africa, which enable Zoono to scale its technology globally through established industry leaders.

The Investors Takeaway

ZNO is still very much in its build-out phase, and the latest financials reflect a company that is early in its commercial journey. For the period ending 30 June, the business reported a gross margin of -24 percent and a net profit margin of -312 percent, underscoring the significant operational challenges it faces before achieving sustainable profitability.
The key question for investors is whether Zoono’s business model can scale effectively as commercial adoption grows. If revenue expansion outpaces cost efficiencies, the company’s negative margins could deepen rather than improve. However, if its technology continues to gain traction through new licensing agreements and global partnerships, operational leverage could start to emerge over time.