Stora Enso and Xeikon International are to establish a joint venture, Stora Enso Digital Solutions N.V., to conduct the sales, service and development of the 'Stora Enso DBS powered by Xeikon' on-demand CD and DVD packaging line. Stora Enso Digital Solutions will serve disc producers such as the music, film, games and software industries.
"Today, there is a growing demand for short production runs in the disc production business because of the fragmented nature of the market. For example, a first run can be for 1,000 pieces, with the subsequent runs for just 300 to 500 pieces. The competitive edge offered by the 'Stora Enso DBS powered by Xeikon' line comes from the fact that it enables abbreviated lead times and cost-effective short runs," says Ari Lehikoinen, Managing Director of Stora Enso Digital Solutions.
Efficient, economical and environmentally friendly
DBS (Discbox Slider) is Stora Enso's unique disc pack made from paperboard. The 'Stora Enso DBS powered by Xeikon' production line covers all stages of making DBS packs, from printing, die cutting and assembling to filling. The turnkey solution consists of Xeikon 5000 digital printing press, DBS converting machine and DBS Pac Master packaging machine.
"Digital printing workflow is quick and efficient compared with the traditional printing methods. Online control of the whole production line enables variable data, quick change-overs and personalization of the disc packs. This meets the demands of the fragmented market and opens up new possibilities for the use of discs in promotions, corporate communications and direct marketing as well," Lehikoinen says.
DBS is a durable, economical and environmentally friendly disc packaging alternative. It is suitable for one or two discs plus the booklet and it fits all standard CD shelves. Compared with a plastic jewel box, DBS is 30 percent slimmer and 50 percent lighter, which provides significant savings in terms of material, transportation costs and shelf space. Furthermore, the paperboard material is renewable and recyclable.
Combination of leading technologies
Stora Enso Digital Solutions is located in Lier, Belgium. To provide personal local customer service throughout the world, Stora Enso Digital Solutions utilizes the global sales and service networks of Stora Enso and Xeikon International. Both parties in the joint venture are global market leaders in their individual fields of business. Xeikon International, a subsidiary of Punch International, is the world's leading supplier of digital colour printing solutions for professional applications. Stora Enso is an integrated paper, packaging and forest products company and a global market leader in packaging boards.
"Through vertical innovation in the value chain, we are able to create new packaging concepts and business models to meet emerging market demands and consumer preferences. Stora Enso Digital Solutions is one of the highlights of the value chain re-shaping in which we are currently engaged," says Juha Lehtola, Vice President of New Business Innovations at Stora Enso Consumer Boards.
Direct link to picture: http://bmt.storaenso.com/storaensolink.jsp?imageid=20041202SEDS
Further information from:
Stora Enso Digital Solutions
Ari Lehikoinen, Managing Director
Tel. +358 2046 240 82
Mobile +358 400 707 854
Stora Enso Packaging Boards
Consumer Boards
Juha Lehtola, Vice President, New Business Innovations
Tel. +358 2046 221 53
Xeikon International
Wim Deblauwe, Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Tel. +32 3 443 1311