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    311613 - Rendering and Meat Byproduct Processing

    If you're involved in the manufacturing sector or exploring opportunities in animal product industries, understanding NAICS code 311613 is essential. This code represents the Rendering and Meat Byproduct Processing industry, a vital segment responsible for converting animal byproducts into usable materials like tallow, lard, and meat meal, contributing significantly to animal feed and various industrial applications.

    What is NAICS Code 311613?

    NAICS code 311613 covers establishments primarily engaged in:

    • Rendering animal fats
    • Processing meat byproducts into materials such as tallow and lard
    • Producing meat and bone meal and tankage used in animal feed and manufacturing processes

    This industry plays a crucial role in recycling animal byproducts that would otherwise go to waste, turning them into valuable commodities for other sectors.

    Sector Classification

    • Sector: Manufacturing
    • This industry falls squarely under the Manufacturing sector, highlighting its role in producing tangible goods from raw animal materials.

    Typical Business Activities under NAICS 311613

    Businesses classified under this NAICS code typically engage in activities like:

    • Rendering animal fats and oils
    • Processing bones, fats, and greases
    • Producing tallow, lard, stearin, and meat and bone meal
    • Operating rendering plants that recycle carrion into usable products

    Examples of Businesses

    • Animal fat rendering plants
    • Meat byproduct processing facilities
    • Tallow and lard production establishments

    Size Standards for NAICS Code 311613

    For small business eligibility and government contracting purposes, the size standard for NAICS code 311613 is:

    • Maximum Employees: 750 employees

    This means that businesses with 750 or fewer employees qualify as small businesses under this classification.

    Detailed Code Activities Table

    Code Detail Description
    Animal fats rendering Processing animal fats into usable byproducts
    Animal oil rendering Extracting oils from animal remains
    Bones, fat, rendering Rendering bones and fats to create products
    Fats, animal, rendering General rendering of animal fats
    Grease rendering Processing grease into industrial materials
    Lard made from purchased fat Producing lard from externally sourced animal fats
    Meat and bone meal and tankage Manufacturing animal feed components from meat/bone residues
    Neatsfoot oil rendering Rendering neatsfoot oil used in leather treatment and products
    Oil, animal, rendering Extracting and processing animal-derived oils
    Rendering animals (carrion) for feed Processing dead animals for animal feed materials
    Rendering fats General term for fat rendering processes
    Rendering plants Facilities that perform rendering operations
    Stearin, animal, rendering Producing stearin, a fatty substance used in candles, soaps
    Tallow produced in rendering plant Manufacturing tallow used in various industrial applications

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What products are made from rendering and meat byproduct processing?

    Products include tallow, lard, meat and bone meal, animal fats and oils, stearin, and other materials used mainly for animal feed, soap-making, candle production, and industrial lubricants.

    How does rendering benefit the environment?

    Rendering reduces waste by recycling animal byproducts that would otherwise be discarded, preventing landfill use and reducing environmental pollution.

    What types of businesses fall under NAICS code 311613?

    Typical businesses are animal fat rendering plants, meat byproduct processors, and producers of tallow and lard.

    Does NAICS 311613 include vegetable oil processing?

    No, this code specifically covers animal fats and meat byproduct processing, not vegetable or plant-based oils.

    What is the employee size standard for small business classification under this code?

    Businesses with 750 or fewer employees are considered small businesses under NAICS 311613.


    Understanding NAICS code 311613 is important for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and contractors working with animal byproducts. This industry not only supports sustainable practices but also drives essential products used across animal feed and manufacturing sectors.

    If you're involved in or planning to enter the rendering and meat byproduct processing industry, keep this NAICS code in mind for compliance, reporting, and business opportunities.