Bemis, Amcor, and Practical Poster Printing in the U.S.: A Buyer’s Guide

Bemis in U.S. Packaging & Printing: What’s What

In the U.S. packaging and printing landscape, it’s important to distinguish two similarly named entities:

• Bemis Company: A historic flexible packaging company that was acquired by Amcor in 2019. You may see references like “Amcor Bemis acquisition” in news and trade media; this refers to Amcor’s consolidation of Bemis Company’s packaging operations into Amcor’s global portfolio.
• Bemis Manufacturing Company: A separate, independent plastics manufacturer (well-known for molded products such as toilet seats and injection-molded components). It is not part of Amcor and is different from Bemis Company.

For buyers in packaging printing, this means many of the flexible packaging capabilities historically associated with Bemis Company are now offered under Amcor. Meanwhile, Bemis Manufacturing Company continues to operate independently in its own product categories.

Urban Poster Printing: Design & Production Tips

Urban posters—whether they’re for retail windows, transit shelters, pop-up events, or street campaigns—need to be designed for impact, durability, and printability.

File Prep Basics

• Resolution: 300 dpi at final size is ideal for close-viewed posters. For large-format viewed from a distance, 150–200 dpi can suffice.
• Color Mode: Use CMYK for print; include ICC color profiles and request hard proofs for color-critical work.
• Bleed & Safe Area: Add at least 0.125 in (3 mm) bleed on all sides; keep critical text/graphics within a 0.25 in safe margin.

Materials & Finishes

• Papers: Coated gloss for high saturation; matte for reduced glare; synthetic tear-resistant sheets for outdoor use.
• Finishes: UV coating or laminate for abrasion/UV resistance; anti-graffiti laminates for street-level installations.
• Sizes: Common retail and street sizes include 18×24 in, 24×36 in, and bus shelter formats (e.g., 47×68 in, varies by city).

Outdoor Durability

• Inks: Pigment-based or UV-curable inks improve fade resistance.
• Weatherproofing: Consider polypropylene, PVC, or polyester substrates, plus edge sealing for wet climates.
• Mounting: Use hardware, frames, or adhesive systems rated for exterior use to prevent peel-off.

Where Can I Print a Poster Near Me?

If you’re asking, “where can I print a poster near me?”, the U.S. offers many convenient options:

• Local Print Shops: Independent print providers often deliver fast turnaround, consultation, and color-managed proofs.
• National Chains: FedEx Office, Staples, and Office Depot/OfficeMax offer same-day services for common sizes.
• Photo Centers: Walmart Photo, Walgreens Photo, and Costco Photo provide economical large-format prints; check substrate options.
• University/Community Centers: Campus reprographics or library partners sometimes provide oversize printing.
• Online Printers: Upload files and ship nationwide; good for bulk runs, specialty stocks, or premium finishes.

Pro Tip: Ask for a prepress checklist (bleeds, color profiles, fonts outlined, linked images) and a proof approval before production. Compare turnaround, price per square foot, substrate choice, and finish durability.

Hot Glue Gun on Fabric: Safe, Clean Mounting

Using a hot glue gun on fabric can be a quick way to mount lightweight signage or trim, but it requires care:

• Choose Low-Temp Glue: Low-temperature glue sticks reduce scorch risk and residue on cotton blends.
• Test First: Try a small, inconspicuous area—synthetics (e.g., nylon, polyester) can warp or discolor under heat.
• Apply Thin Lines: Use minimal glue; press gently with a protective barrier to avoid seep-through and surface marking.
• Work Surfaces: A silicone mat and protective gloves help avoid burns and drips.
• Removal: Warm the glue slightly and peel slowly; solvent spot-testing may help with residue—but always check fabric care.

Alternatives: Fabric-safe double-sided tapes, spray adhesives formulated for textiles, sewing, grommets, or Velcro-style hook-and-loop offer cleaner, reworkable mounting for displays and soft signage.

Quick Purchasing Checklist

• Objective: Indoor/Outdoor, short-term campaign vs. long-term install.
• Substrate: Paper, synthetic, or fabric graphics; consider tear and weather resistance.
• Finish: Lamination or UV-coating for abrasion and sun exposure.
• Mounting: Frames, adhesives, or hardware; fabric-safe methods if textiles are involved.
• File Readiness: Bleeds, CMYK color profiles, linked hi-res images, outlined fonts.
• Vendor: Local vs. chain vs. online; proofing standards and lead times.
• Sustainability: Recycled papers, FSC-certified stocks, and low-VOC inks where feasible.

FAQ: Bemis, Amcor & Printing

Is Bemis the same as Amcor now?

Amcor completed the acquisition of Bemis Company in 2019 and integrated those packaging operations. Bemis Manufacturing Company is separate and was not part of the acquisition.

Who should I contact for flexible packaging printing?

Amcor and many U.S. converters offer flexible packaging printing. For posters and large-format graphics, local print shops, national chains, and online providers are typically your best route.

What’s an “urban poster” in practice?

High-visibility street or transit posters designed for impact, printed on durable substrates with finishes that withstand abrasion, UV, and weather—often paired with clean mounting systems on glass, frames, or fabric displays.