New ink jet paper offers superior performance, vibrant colors and sharp images

Oakdale, Minn. (December 18, 1996) -- Imation Corp. (NYSE: IMN), the new information and imaging company recently spun-off by 3M, today announced a new product that lets desktop computer users print photo-quality images on color ink jet printers.

Leveraging Imation's proven expertise in imaging, color science and precision coating, the new "Photographic Paper for Ink Jet Printers" provides superior image quality and color reproduction, and significantly faster drying time than competitive products.

"Consumers who use our ink jet receptive paper will be able to produce images that are startlingly close to photographic quality," said John Gregerson, marketing operations manager for Imation Photo Color Systems. "Using this glossy photo-like paper with common color ink jet printers, consumers can turn their photos and computer-generated images into nearly photo-lab quality pictures conveniently in their own home or business. Users can expect print resolution limited only by the capability of their printers and image file size."

Imation's new "Photographic Quality Paper for Ink Jet Printers" meets the growing consumer demand for high-quality color output from their computers. Whether reproducing an image downloaded from the Internet, a photograph from a digital camera or a scan of a snapshot, the new paper is a convenient medium for creating high-quality output from common desktop computing technology.

The paper will be available in February 1997 through mass retail and photo stores in both 8-1/2 inch by 11 inch and 4 inch by 6 inch sizes. Future plans call for an A-4 size for international distribution.

Photographic Quality Paper for Ink Jet Printers has been designed for use with a variety of color ink jet printers, including offerings from Hewlett-Packard, Canon, Epson and Lexmark. The paper can be fed easily through automatic feeders on any common ink jet printer.

The new photo quality paper meets the need for improved image quality in the installed base of approximately 30 million color ink jet printers, and among the rapidly growing number of users of low-cost, consumer and home-office oriented color ink jet printers.

The product employs a unique two-layer coating, which maximizes color saturation and image quality. The layers control the absorption and spreading of ink to provide rich colors and sharp detail without added texture, resulting in an image with a smooth, photo-like appearance. The unique coating offers other advantages as well, including unprecedented ink drying efficiency, which enables consumers to handle images shortly after printing. In addition, prints remain flat after imaging, without the curling effect found with some other paper products.

According to Cliff Pinder, vice president of the company's Photo Color and Medical Imaging business units, Imation's expertise in information and imaging technology puts the company in a unique position. "As the photo and graphics industry moves increasingly toward digital applications, Imation's expertise positions the company to offer consumers digital data storage solutions. When added to the growing number of imaging products available to consumers for everyday use, Imation is offering a comprehensive set of solutions that meet evolving needs," Pinder said.

Retailers and photo stores who wish to sell the paper should contact their Imation sales representative, or call the Imation Dealer Helpline at 1-800-654-5007.

Imation is one of the world's largest suppliers of private-label 35mm color film and single-use cameras for major discount drug and grocery chains, serving more than 125 major retailers worldwide. The company also manufactures and markets digital and conventional proofing systems for the graphic arts, prepress and printing industry, including the industry standard Matchprint™ color proofing system and the digital Rainbow™ color proofing system, imagesetting materials, printing plates, graphic arts films, carbonless paper products and chemistries to customers worldwide.

Imation Corp. supplies a variety of products and services worldwide for the information processing industry, specializing in information storage and imaging applications. The business units that make up Imation had 1995 revenues of $2.2 billion while part of 3M. The company employs approximately 9,400 people worldwide and is based in Oakdale, Minn. Additional information about Imation is available on the company's website at http://www.imation.com.

Matchprint and Rainbow are trademarks of Imation Corp. Hewlett-Packard, Canon, Epson and Lexmark are registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Copyright 1996 Imation. All rights reserved.