NAICS 322220

Overview

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the federal statistical standard for grouping business establishments to collect, analyze, and publish data on the U.S. economy. Developed under the Office of Management and Budget with Canada and Mexico, NAICS replaced SIC in 1997 and is maintained through periodic revisions, including the 2022 vintage. ¹

NAICS 322220 (Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing) covers establishments primarily engaged in cutting/coating paper or paperboard; cutting and laminating paper or paperboard with other flexible materials (except plastics film to plastics film); manufacturing paper and foil bags (including multiwall); producing converted metal foils from purchased foil; and surface coating paper or paperboard. This 5‑digit industry includes U.S. industries 322221, 322222, 322223, and 322224. ²

What this NAICS covers

• Cutting and coating paper or paperboard made elsewhere. ²
• Cutting and laminating paper or paperboard to other flexible substrates (except plastics film to plastics film). ²
• Manufacturing paper bags, multiwall bags, and sacks, including products using coated paper or metal foil. ²
• Manufacturing bags of laminated or coated combinations of paper, foil, and plastics film (except plastics‑only bags). ²
• Producing converted aluminum and other metal foils from purchased foils for packaging or nonpackaging uses. ²
• Surface coating paper or paperboard (e.g., waxed, gummed, pressure‑sensitive). ²

Related NAICS and PSC codes

U.S. industry breakdown under this NAICS

• 322221 — Coated and Laminated Packaging Paper and Plastics Film Manufacturing. ²
• 322222 — Coated and Laminated Paper Manufacturing (non‑packaging uses). ²
• 322223 — Plastics, Foil, and Coated Paper Bag Manufacturing. ²
• 322224 — Uncoated Paper and Multiwall Bag Manufacturing. ²

Common cross‑references and exclusions

• Photographic sensitized paper belongs to 32599, not 322220. ²
• Plastics‑only single/multiwall bags are in 32611 (e.g., 326111), not 322220. ²
• Textile bags are classified in 31491. ²
• Making aluminum/foil is in 33131; cutting purchased aluminum foil to size is in 33299. ²

Frequently asked questions

• What federal purpose does NAICS serve and what is the current vintage?

  • NAICS provides the common structure federal statistical programs use to classify establishments and publish economic data. It replaced SIC in 1997 and is currently at the 2022 vintage, with adoption occurring across Census programs on a phased schedule. ¹

• What activities fall squarely under NAICS 322220?

  • Converting purchased paper/paperboard by cutting, coating, and laminating (except plastics‑to‑plastics); making paper and foil bags (including multiwall); producing converted metal foils from purchased foil; and surface coating paper or paperboard for uses such as waxed, gummed, or pressure‑sensitive products. ²

• Which sub‑industries roll up to NAICS 322220?

  • The U.S. industries are 322221, 322222, 322223, and 322224. These delineate packaging vs. non‑packaging coatings and bag types (plastics/foil/coated vs. uncoated and multiwall). ²

• Are plastics‑only bags included in NAICS 322220?

  • No. Single or multiwall plastics bags made from unsupported plastics film are classified in 32611 (e.g., 326111). 322220 covers paper/foil bags and laminated combinations that include paper or foil. ²

• Where can official updates about NAICS 2022 implementation be found?

  • The Census Bureau’s NAICS implementation page documents the transition schedule, including milestones for the Economic Census and program adoption through 2027, plus links to reference materials and crosswalks. ⁴

Useful resources

• Census: 2022 NAICS — Manufacturing (Sector 31‑33) industry and cross‑reference details. ²
• Census: The Census Bureau’s implementation of the 2022 NAICS (timeline and program adoption). ⁴
• Census: Economic Census — NAICS industry tables portal. ⁵
• Census: NAICS introduction and background. ¹

References

1. U.S. Census Bureau — NAICS: Introduction to NAICS. https://www.census.gov/naics/
2. U.S. Census Bureau — 2022 NAICS detailed definition for 322220 (with cross‑references). https://www.census.gov/naics/?input=322220&year=2022&details=322220
3. Product and Service Code (PSC) Manual (official). https://www.acquisition.gov/psc-manual
4. U.S. Census Bureau — The Census Bureau’s Implementation of the 2022 NAICS. https://www.census.gov/library/reference/code-lists/naics/2022/implementation-timeline.html
5. U.S. Census Bureau — Economic Census by Industry (NAICS tables hub). https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/economic-census/data/tables/industry.html