32213 - Paperboard Mills

In the vast landscape of manufacturing industries, NAICS Code 32213 - Paperboard Mills stands out as a vital segment responsible for producing essential packaging materials used worldwide. Whether you're a business owner, supplier, or government contractor, understanding this NAICS code helps you navigate industry classifications, compliance, and market opportunities.

What is NAICS Code 32213?

NAICS 32213 specifically covers Paperboard Mills, which are establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing paperboard. Paperboard is a thick, durable paper-based material widely used in packaging and various industrial applications. This classification includes facilities that convert pulp, either from virgin wood fibers or recycled materials, into paperboard sheets or rolls, ready for further processing or converting.

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Sector and Typical Business Activities

• Sector: Manufacturing
• Industry Group: Paper Manufacturing
• Primary Activity: Converting pulp into paperboard products.

Typical Business Types under NAICS 32213 include:

• Containerboard Mills: Produce linerboard and corrugating medium for corrugated boxes.
• Coated and Laminated Paperboard Mills: Manufacture coated or laminated paperboard for high-quality packaging needs.
• Recycled Paperboard Mills: Use recovered paper and recycled fibers to produce sustainable paperboard products.

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Size Standards for Eligibility

For small business classification under NAICS 32213 (Paperboard Mills), the Small Business Administration (SBA) sets the size standard based on the number of employees or annual receipts. The typical size standard is:

Criterion	Standard Limit
Number of Employees	500 employees or fewer
Annual Receipts (Revenue)	$40 million or less (may vary by specific solicitations)

Meeting these size standards enables businesses to qualify for small business programs and government contracting opportunities under this classification.

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Examples of Businesses in NAICS 32213

Below are examples of companies typically classified under NAICS 32213:

• International Paper Containerboard Mill – Produces containerboard used in corrugated packaging.
• WestRock Coated Paperboard Mills – Specializes in coated and laminated paperboard for folding cartons and packaging.
• Green Fiber Recycled Paperboard Mill – Focuses on manufacturing paperboard from post-consumer recycled materials.

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Detailed NAICS Code 32213 Table

Attribute	Description
NAICS Code	32213
Title	Paperboard Mills
Sector	Manufacturing
Industry Group	Paper Manufacturing
Primary Activity	Manufacturing thick paperboard from pulp
Examples of Businesses	Containerboard Mills, Coated/Laminated Paperboard Mills, Recycled Paperboard Mills
Size Standard	500 employees or fewer; $40 million annual receipts (typical)
Applications	Packaging, industrial uses, paper products processors

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NAICS Code 32213

What products do Paperboard Mills manufacture?

They primarily produce paperboard sheets or rolls from pulp, used in packaging materials including boxes, cartons, and specialty paperboard products.

What industries use paperboard from these mills?

Major users include packaging companies, printing and converting industries, and various manufacturers needing protective and display packaging.

Can recycled materials be used in NAICS 32213 production?

Yes, recycled paperboard mills are included within this code, focusing on sustainability by using recovered fibers.

How does this code differ from other paper manufacturing codes?

NAICS 32213 is specifically for mills that produce paperboard (thicker paper products), unlike NAICS 32212, which covers paper mills producing lighter paper products.

Why is knowing the size standard important?

Understanding SBA size standards helps businesses qualify for small business set-asides and contracting opportunities related to paperboard manufacturing.

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Harnessing the insights about NAICS Code 32213 - Paperboard Mills can empower manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors to strategically position themselves within the paper manufacturing sector, tap into government programs, and grow in a competitive marketplace. For anyone involved in packaging production, this NAICS code is a crucial identifier of industrial capability.

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Keywords: NAICS Code 32213, Paperboard Mills, paperboard manufacturing, containerboard mills, coated paperboard, recycled paperboard, packaging materials, manufacturing sector, SBA size standards.