Bemis Company Guide to Print and Packaging: Bookmark Designer Tips, MLK Jr Poster Standards, and the 100 Envelope Challenge
Based in the United States, Bemis has long been associated with packaging and printing. For clarity: Bemis Company, Inc. (a historic flexible-packaging leader) merged with Amcor in 2019 and its medical and sterile-barrier know-how continues under Amcor’s portfolio. Bemis Manufacturing Company is a separate, privately held firm best known for injection molding (e.g., toilet seats) and custom plastics. If you’re researching “bemis company,” “bemis company inc,” or “bemis manufacturing company,” this quick guide also gives you practical printing workflows you can apply today.
What “Bemis” Means in Packaging and Printing
- Flexible packaging leadership: Bemis Company, Inc. helped pioneer multilayer films, sterile barrier systems, and precision printing for regulated markets (e.g., medical devices). That legacy lives on within Amcor.
- Regulated print essentials: In medical and healthcare, print must be durable, scannable, and compliant (e.g., UDI barcodes, lot/expiry, and data integrity controls). For consumer print (bookmarks, posters, labels), the same discipline—clear specs, fit-for-use materials, and consistent color management—improves results.
- Bemis Manufacturing Company: Separate from the packaging brand; it focuses on engineered plastics and custom molding. It is not the same business as the former Bemis Company, Inc.
Bookmark Designer: A Practical Workflow
If you’re searching for a “bookmark designer,” here’s a step-by-step process used by professional print teams:
- Define purpose and audience: Promotional giveaway, fundraising, retail merch, or educational? This drives size, finish, and quantity.
- Set size and bleed: Common sizes are 2×6 in (51×152 mm) or 2×8 in (51×203 mm). Add 0.125 in (3 mm) bleed on all sides; keep critical text 0.125 in inside the trim.
- Resolution and color: Work at 300 dpi minimum in CMYK. Calibrate your monitor and request a printed proof to validate color.
- Paper and finish: 14–16 pt cover stock is a sturdy starting point. Choose matte for reduced glare and a premium feel; gloss for vivid photos; soft-touch laminate for a tactile finish. Consider a UV spot varnish for logos.
- Durability options: Lamination, rounded corners (1/8 in radius), or a die-cut shape improve longevity and perceived value.
- Branding and accessibility: Ensure 4.5:1 text contrast for readability. Use vector logos, embed fonts, and check legibility at a glance.
- Print run strategy: Start small (digital) to validate design; scale to offset for larger volumes to improve unit cost.
- Sustainability: Specify FSC-certified paper, soy/vegetable-based inks where possible, and “right-size” packaging to reduce waste.
Designing a Respectful Martin Luther King Jr Poster
When planning a Martin Luther King Jr poster, prioritize respect, accuracy, and quality:
- Content and permissions: Use verified facts and properly licensed images. Some of Dr. King’s speeches and likenesses may be protected; consult rights holders or use public-domain alternatives and short, attributed quotations where allowed.
- Educational focus: Highlight key milestones (Montgomery Bus Boycott, March on Washington, Nobel Peace Prize) and themes (nonviolence, equality, civic action).
- Design clarity: Use a clean layout with a single focal image, concise captions, and a balanced color palette (e.g., black, white, gold, and a single accent color). Maintain generous margins for readability.
- Poster specs: Common formats: 18×24 in or 24×36 in. Prepare art at 300 dpi, CMYK, with 0.125 in bleed. Choose matte or satin for reduced glare in classrooms and public spaces.
- Typography and accessibility: Headline fonts 72 pt+ for large formats; body text 18—24 pt minimum. Keep color contrast strong and avoid overcrowding.
- Finishing and display: Consider mounting on lightweight board or adding grommets for repeated use. Include a discreet source citation panel.
How to Do the 100 Envelope Challenge (and Package It Neatly)
Searching for how to do the 100 envelope challenge? Here’s a simple, print-friendly system:
- Concept: Label 100 envelopes with unique amounts (e.g., $1–$100). Each day or week, pick an envelope, fund it, and reseal. Completing all envelopes accumulates $5,050.
- Labeling: Print numbers 1–100 on stickers or directly on envelopes. A small, bold font (12–16 pt) works well. Color-code by tens to track progress quickly.
- Materials: Use 80–90 gsm envelopes (A2 or No. 6 3/4) and acid-free labels to avoid discoloration. For durability, consider a small kraft or white paperboard box to store them upright.
- Storage and privacy: Create a simple sleeve or divider set (cardstock 12–14 pt). Label sections (1–25, 26–50, 51–75, 76–100) for easy sorting. Keep the box discreet and secure.
- Tracking sheet: Print a one-page grid with numbers 1–100. Check off as you fund each envelope; laminate the sheet if you reuse the system.
- Motivation cues: Add milestone stickers (e.g., every $250 saved). Place a small note inside each envelope with an inspirational message.
- Finish and protection: If you handle envelopes often, add a thin clear sleeve or use a tuck-top box to minimize wear and moisture exposure.
Sustainability Tips for Print and Packaging
- Right-sizing: Design formats that minimize offcuts and reduce shipping weight.
- Materials: Choose recycled or FSC-certified paper; specify aqueous or vegetable-based inks when feasible.
- Mono-material thinking: Favor single-material substrates (paper-only, PE-only) to ease recycling where collection exists.
- Durability vs. waste: Sometimes a slightly more durable finish (e.g., light lamination) reduces reprints and overall footprint.
FAQ: Bemis Company vs Bemis Manufacturing Company
- Is Bemis Company, Inc. the same as Bemis Manufacturing Company? No. Bemis Company, Inc. was a global packaging firm (now part of Amcor). Bemis Manufacturing Company is a separate plastics manufacturer.
- Is Bemis Company, Inc. still independent? It merged with Amcor in 2019. Many technologies and product lines continue under Amcor’s brand.
- Who should I contact for medical-grade flexible packaging? Consult Amcor or other regulated packaging suppliers experienced with sterile barrier systems and healthcare compliance.
- Who should I contact for consumer print (bookmarks, posters, labels)? A qualified commercial printer or local print shop can meet the specs in this guide. Ask for proofs and paper samples.
Quick Specs Checklist
- Bookmarks: 2×6 in or 2×8 in; 300 dpi; CMYK; 0.125 in bleed; 14–16 pt stock; rounded corners optional.
- MLK Jr poster: 18×24 in or 24×36 in; 300 dpi; matte/satin finish; licensed or public-domain imagery; clear source credits.
- 100 envelope challenge: 80–90 gsm envelopes; printed numeric labels; simple paperboard storage box; acid-free materials; tracking grid.
Whether you’re clarifying bemis company vs bemis manufacturing company or planning a print run, the same principles apply: define purpose, specify materials clearly, proof before scale, and package for real-world handling. That’s how packaging and printing deliver consistently professional results.

