P&R Paper Supply receives recognition for its polystyrene foam recycling efforts

Redlands, California-based P&R Paper Supply has received the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) 2015 Environmental Excellence Award. P&R Paper Supply earned the award for its foam polystyrene 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,” says 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.”

P&R Paper Supply implemented the Going the Extra Mile foam recycling program six years ago when Chula Vista Unified School District signed up to pilot the program. Going the Extra Mile allows for polystyrene foam school lunch trays to be collected and moved to a designated location to await pickup for recycling. The P&R hybrid truck collects the trays and takes to Dart Container Corp. in Corona for processing. The clean foam is  then delivered to Pomoa-based NEPCO, where it is turned into household items such as picture frames.

“This program is an opportunity for students to get actively involved in recycling and learning about the importance of respecting our environment,” says 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, P&R Paper Supply says. 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 annually 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, the company says.

P&R Paper Supply is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2015. The family-owned-and-operated business serves the supply needs of companies in California, Nevada and Arizona. The company distributes more than 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.