Imation Europe, a leading supplier of removable data storage media, is to use the innovative 'DBS Discbox Slider' packs from Stora Enso. According to a recent market study, a great majority of consumers prefer 'DBS Discbox Slider' to other optical disc cases because of its convenient size, the practical configuration of two discs in one case and the environmental benefits.
The world market volume for DVD Rs is increasing rapidly, from 2.5 billion units noted in 2004 to predicted 3.8 billion units in 2005, while the volume for CD-Rs is levelling off at eight billion per year. Imation holds the number one position in the world in CD-Rs, with a market share of 12%, and is one of the top 5 brands in the DVD R market. Stora Enso's and Imation's joint aim is to establish DBS as a new standard for packaging CD-Rs and DVD Rs.
"DBS provides added value both for trade and for consumers, and there is clearly a need for this type of packaging in the market. The low weight and slim size of DBS bring savings in transportation costs and shelf-space at the retail outlet. Consumers like the innovative design of DBS and having two discs packed in one case. They also appreciate its environmentally friendly 100 % paperboard material," says Peter Klinckenberg, EMEA Product Marketing Manager at Imation Europe BV.
"Material costs for plastic jewel case continue to rise, which makes cartonboard packs even more attractive, especially as two discs can be contained in one package," adds Joakim Stockhaus, Sales & Marketing Director of Media Solutions at Stora Enso Consumer Boards.
All packaging materials for recordable discs from one source
Recordable discs are a volume business, unlike pre-recorded discs. This is why Stora Enso has developed its DBS concept in different ways for the different ends of media industry. Stora Enso Digital Solutions N.V. is marketing the complete DBS production line 'Stora Enso DBS powered by Xeikon' to producers of pre-recorded discs. Stora Enso Media Solutions is instead offering packaging solutions to the sellers of recordable discs.
"Media Solutions supplies the sellers of recordable discs with all related packages and materials, including DBS packs, master cartons and displays. Everything is available from one source, which is very effective in terms of purchasing, logistics and marketing," Stockhaus says. Media Solutions is a newly established unit within Stora Enso Consumer Boards. The operations of Stora Enso Activation AB will be absorbed into Stora Enso Media Solutions as of April 2005.
Company facts
Imation Corp. is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of magnetic and optical removable data storage media. With one of the broadest product lines in the industry, spanning from a few megabytes to hundreds of gigabytes of capacity in each piece of media, Imation serves customers in more than 60 countries, in both business and consumer markets. From large data centers to distributed networks, Imation's tape cartridges are used in data processing, security, business continuity, backup and archiving applications. With more than 300 technology scientists and nearly 300 patents in the US alone, Imation continues to pioneer today's proven magnetic and optical media technologies. In 2004, Imation employed approximately 2,700 people worldwide. Revenues from outside the U.S. contribute approximately 60 percent of total sales. Imation Corp. is located in Oakdale, Minnesota, USA. The European Headquarters is based in Schiphol, The Netherlands.
Stora Enso is an integrated paper, packaging and forest products company producing publication and fine papers, packaging boards and wood products, areas in which the Group is a global market leader. Stora Enso sales totalled EUR 12.4 billion in 2004. The Group has some 45,000 employees in more than 40 countries in five continents and 16.4 million tonnes of paper and board annual production capacity. Stora Enso's shares are listed in Helsinki, Stockholm and New York.
Direct link to picture: http://bmt.storaenso.com/storaensolink.jsp?imageid=20050310Imation
For further information:
Stora Enso Consumer Boards
Joakim Stockhaus, Sales & Marketing Director of Media Solutions
Tel. +46 8 7614020
Gsm +46 70 534 9699
Imation Europe BV
Peter Klinckenberg, EMEA Product Marketing Manager
Tel +31 20 654 2904