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Inland Empire Business Honored for sustainability efforts

P&R Paper Supply receives environmental excellence award from the California manufacturers & technology association for their commitment to styrofoam recycling

Inland Empire Business Honored for sustainability efforts

P&R Paper Supply, a local Inland Empire distributor for 50 years, is the proud recipient of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) 2015 Environmental Excellence Award. P&R Paper Supply earned the award for demonstrating Environmental Excellence by helping people turn trash into treasure through their Foam #6 Lunch Tray Recycling Program: Going the Extra Mile. The award was presented during CMTA’s Environmental Conference in San Diego.

“Our company has always believed that it is important to do what we can for the betterment of the planet, and we are honored and excited to receive the CMTA 2015 Environmental Excellence Award,” said Joe Maiberger, Chief Financial Officer at P&R Paper Supply. “We are proud of our recycling efforts, and those of the schools we partner with. Winning this award solidifies that our efforts have made a difference. We will continue leading the charge in keeping California beautiful, and we hope others follow our lead.”

The Going the Extra Mile Foam Recycling Program was implemented by P&R Paper Supply six years ago when Chula Vista Unified School District signed up to pilot the program. Going the Extra Mile allows for foam school lunch trays, often mistakenly referred to as Styrofoam, to be collected and moved to a designated location to await pick-up for recycling. The foam trays are then picked up by the P&R Hybrid truck and taken to Dart Container Corporation in Corona for processing. At Dart Container, the foam is cleaned, and then delivered to Pomona-based NEPCO, where the foam is given a second chance at life, by becoming beautiful household items like picture frames.

“This program is an opportunity for students to get actively involved in recycling and learning about the importance of respecting our environment,” said Anthony Millican, Director of Communications and Community Development, Chula Vista Elementary School District. “Each of our 45 elementary schools participate in the program. Not only is it an educational opportunity for the students, but they also take these recycling practices home with them to teach their families.”

The Going the Extra Mile Foam Recycling Program has grown to 60 participating schools and continues to grow each year. Today, P&R Paper Supply collects an average of 3,200 cases of foam trays per month and 28,800 cases per year, resulting in 55 truckloads per year and 336,000 pounds of product. This program not only reflects P&R Paper’s existing commitment to improving the environment by lessening the amount of trash brought to local landfills, but it also allows school districts to stretch resources – particularly during difficult budget times. Using and recycling foam trays is both an effective and affordable option for schools and recycling it helps avoid landfill fees. Plus, and it teaches young students an important lesson about sustainability.

Based in Redlands, P&R Paper Supply is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. The family-owned and operated business serves the supply needs of companies in California, Nevada, and Arizona. The company distributes over 7,000 products made by more than 100 manufacturers from around the world, with 90 percent of the products made in the United States. P&R Paper was founded in 1965 by Patricia & Ralph Maiberger and has stayed in the family for 50 years. 

Company info

1898 E. Colton Ave.
Redlands, CA
US, 92374

Website:
prpaper.com

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