31323 - Nonwoven Fabric Mills
The NAICS code 31323 represents an essential segment of the textile industry focused on innovative fabric manufacturing. Known as Nonwoven Fabric Mills, this industry plays a crucial role in producing versatile fabric products used across various sectors—from healthcare to automotive. If you’re exploring opportunities or looking to understand this niche within the Textile Mills sector, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.
What is NAICS Code 31323?
NAICS Code 31323 is defined as:
Establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing nonwoven fabrics by bonding or interlocking fibers through mechanical, chemical, thermal, or solvent means.
These nonwoven fabrics are manufactured without weaving or knitting and are used in a multitude of applications including hygiene products, filtration systems, automotive components, and industrial materials.
Sector: Textile Mills
NAICS 31323 falls under the broader Textile Mills sector (NAICS 313). This sector encompasses establishments involved in fabric production, primarily using fibers to create materials for consumer and industrial uses.
Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 31323
Businesses classified under this code typically engage in:
- Manufacture of nonwoven fabrics for hygiene products such as diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene items.
- Production of filtration materials used in air purifiers, water treatment, and HVAC systems.
- Manufacture of nonwoven fabrics for automotive and industrial uses, including insulation, sound absorbing mats, and protective coverings.
These activities illustrate the versatility and industrial importance of nonwoven fabric mills.
Size Standards for NAICS 31323 Eligibility
For government contracting and small business certifications, size standards are critical. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the size standard for NAICS code 31323 is:
| NAICS Code | Industry Title | Size Standard (Employees) |
|---|---|---|
| 31323 | Nonwoven Fabric Mills | 750 employees |
Businesses with 750 or fewer employees qualify as small under this NAICS designation, making them eligible for various federal small business programs and contracts.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 31323
- A company producing nonwoven materials for medical masks and surgical gowns.
- A firm specializing in industrial filtration fabric manufacturing.
- A manufacturer making automotive insulation products using bonded fiber technologies.
- Enterprises focused on creating nonwoven fabrics for personal care industry applications.
NAICS Code 31323 Details Table
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 31323 |
| Industry Title | Nonwoven Fabric Mills |
| Sector | Textile Mills |
| Primary Activity | Manufacturing of nonwoven fabrics through bonding or interlocking fibers |
| Methods Used | Mechanical, chemical, thermal, or solvent means |
| Common Applications | Hygiene products, filtration systems, automotive, industrial materials |
| Size Standard | 750 employees |
| Typical Business Types | Hygiene product fabric manufacturing, filtration fabric production, automotive fabric production |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are nonwoven fabrics?
Nonwoven fabrics are textiles made by bonding or interlocking fibers mechanically, chemically, thermally, or with solvents instead of weaving or knitting.
Which industries use nonwoven fabrics?
They are widely used in healthcare (e.g., masks, gowns), filtration systems, automotive interiors, construction materials, and consumer hygiene products.
What qualifies a business as small under NAICS 31323?
A business with 750 or fewer employees is considered small according to SBA size standards.
How can businesses under this NAICS code benefit from government contracting?
Small businesses in this category may access set-aside contracts, grants, and assistance programs aimed at supporting textile-related manufacturing SMEs.
How is manufacturing of nonwoven fabrics different from traditional textiles?
Nonwoven fabric manufacturing does not involve weaving or knitting; instead, fibers are bonded or interlocked using various physical or chemical treatments, resulting in unique material properties.
Conclusion
NAICS Code 31323 - Nonwoven Fabric Mills represents a dynamic and critical part of the textile industry, producing versatile fabrics key to numerous industrial and consumer applications. Understanding this NAICS classification helps businesses align their operations, identify contracting opportunities, and participate in relevant sectors effectively. Whether you’re manufacturing hygiene product fabrics or creating innovative filtration materials, NAICS 31323 serves as a gateway to the growing world of nonwoven textiles.
Keywords: NAICS 31323, Nonwoven Fabric Mills, nonwoven fabrics, textile mills, government contracting, size standards, nonwoven fabric manufacturing, hygiene products, filtration materials, automotive fabrics
