322120 - Paper Mills
The manufacturing sector is the backbone of many economies, and within it, NAICS code 322120 plays a critical role. This code specifically identifies Paper Mills, establishments that produce essential paper products used across industries and everyday life. Whether printing newspapers, packaging products, or manufacturing specialty papers, businesses under this NAICS code contribute significantly to the global paper supply chain.
What Is NAICS Code 322120?
NAICS code 322120 - Paper Mills encompasses establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing paper from pulp, rags, or other fibrous materials. These companies transform raw fibrous inputs into diverse paper products such as:
- Newsprint
- Printing paper
- Specialty papers
This classification highlights the complete manufacturing process of paper production, from raw material processing to finished paper products ready for various markets.
Sector and Typical Business Activities
Sector: Manufacturing
Paper mills are an integral part of the Manufacturing sector, focusing on converting raw materials into usable paper products.
Typical Business Activities Include:
- Producing various types of paper products such as:
- Newsprint for newspapers
- Office and printing papers
- Specialty papers used in arts, construction, and packaging
- Managing continuous operations to process pulp into finished paper rolls or sheets
- Incorporating coatings, laminations, and treatments on paper to enhance functionality
- Engaging in environmentally sustainable manufacturing practices (increasingly important across the industry)
Examples of Business Types:
- Newsprint mills
- Printing paper mills
- Specialty paper mills
Size Standards for NAICS Code 322120
For government contracting and eligibility, understanding the size standards is essential. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA):
- The size standard for NAICS 322120 is 1,250 employees or fewer
This threshold determines whether a business qualifies as a small business for federal contracting and other government programs.
Detailed Code Descriptions for NAICS 322120
Below is a comprehensive table showcasing the range of paper products and manufacturing activities covered under NAICS code 322120:
| Paper Stock & Products | Manufacturing Activities Covered |
|---|---|
| Absorbent paper stock manufacturing | Production of paper designed for absorbency (e.g., towels, diapers) |
| Asphalt paper and tar paper made in paper mills | Waterproof or building material papers |
| Bond paper, book paper (coated), bristols | High-quality printing and writing papers |
| Building paper stock manufacturing | Paper used in construction applications |
| Cigarette paper | Specialty thin paper for tobacco wrapping |
| Construction, school, and art paper | Papers used for educational and artistic purposes |
| Cotton fiber paper stock manufacturing | Paper made from cotton fibers |
| Disposable diapers, facial tissues, napkins, and sanitary products | Hygiene-related paper products |
| Felts (asphalt, saturated) and glassine wrapping | Specialty paper products used in industrial applications |
| Groundwood, coated, laminated, newsprint paper | Various grades of publication and printing papers |
| Kraft paper stock manufacturing | Strong brown paper used in packaging |
| Looseleaf fillers and office paper | Stationery and office supply papers |
| Paper towels, toilet paper, and tissue papers | Paper products for personal hygiene |
| Paper stock for conversion (envelope, tissue, wallpaper stock) | Raw paper sheets for secondary manufacturing |
| Pulp mills and combined pulp and paper manufacturing | Integration of pulp production with paper manufacturing |
| Tablets, writing paper, and book papers | Paper products for writing and publishing |
| Sheathing and roofing papers | Construction papers providing barriers against moisture |
This thorough list demonstrates the diversity of the paper products industry powered by NAICS 322120.
FAQ - NAICS Code 322120: Paper Mills
Q1: What type of products are made in Paper Mills under NAICS 322120?
A: Products range from newsprint and printing papers to specialty papers such as construction paper, cigarette paper, absorbent paper products like diapers and tissues, and many more.
Q2: Which sector does NAICS 322120 belong to?
A: This code belongs to the Manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on paper production.
Q3: What is the small business size standard for Paper Mills?
A: A business under NAICS 322120 is considered small if it has 1,250 employees or fewer.
Q4: Can paper mills produce both pulp and paper products?
A: Yes, some establishments engage in pulp and paper combined manufacturing, producing pulp and then converting it into various paper products.
Q5: Are specialty papers like cigarette or roofing papers included in this NAICS?
A: Absolutely. Specialty papers such as cigarette paper, asphalt and roofing paper, and wrapping papers fall under NAICS 322120.
Conclusion
NAICS code 322120 highlights a vital segment within the manufacturing industry—Paper Mills. From producing essential newsprint to specialty papers, these businesses make products critical for communication, hygiene, packaging, and construction. Understanding this NAICS code aids companies and government agencies in accurately categorizing and interacting with the paper manufacturing sector.
If you operate in, or plan to start a paper mill business, aligning with NAICS 322120 and comprehending its detailed range will help you effectively navigate market opportunities and government contracting.
