REDLANDS, CA - P&R Paper Supply has introduced "Earth Line" products and a new hybrid truck.

"We're finding that our customers, if given a choice, want to be environmentally friendly," said Lora Chrest with P&R Paper Supply.  "That goes from buying products that are biodegradable and compostable, to products that can be recycled.  We feel our company is helping lead the charge in being good to the environment."

P&R Paper Supply sells a full line of paper products, retail packaging, chemicals, janitorial supplies, and food service items, making the company one of the largest distributors in California.  Its recent emergence into earth-friendly products has taken off beyond projections, according to the company.

To call further attention to its recycling efforts and the need to be good for the environment, P&R Paper Supply is reducing its carbon footprint. The company recently put into service a Kenworth T370 hybrid, on a full-service lease through Inland PacLease - Fontana, the local PacLease franchise. In addition to the hybrid truck, P&R Paper Supply operates a total of 37 tractors and straight trucks and distributes products throughout Northern and Southern California, parts of Nevada and Arizona.  With approximately 130 employees the company's corporate office is located in Redlands, Calif., with another distribution center in San Diego, Calif.

According to Chrest, P&R Paper Supply joined forces with three of its major suppliers, Dart, Genpak, and Pactiv to help sponsor the hybrid truck and facilitate the recycling program.  Each of the suppliers plays an active role in the generation and recycling of the Styrofoam^TM products. "One of our big environmental initiatives is in the recycling of Styrofoam food service products. Many Styrofoam cups, trays and containers are utilized throughout schools, prisons, and restaurants. Once they're done being used, they can be repacked in boxes and backhauled for recycling into other products. The PacLease hybrid is utilized in backhauling the Styrofoam products.  The graphics on the side of the van body calls attention to the Styrofoam recycling efforts. It also encourages others to recycle."

The Kenworth T370 hybrid is expected to save upwards of 30 percent in the fuel bill for P&R Paper Supply. The hybrid is also expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent and carbon monoxide by 90 percent.  Chrest said the truck is being used in stop and go deliveries throughout its service area.  

The hybrid uses the PACCAR PX-6 diesel engine rated at 200 hp providing 800 ft-lbs. of torque. The Eaton diesel-electric hybrid power system integrates a transmission-mounted 60-hp electric engine, which can start moving the unit without using the diesel engine. The electric engine assists the diesel engine when the unit needs more torque and power for acceleration. The engine works with a frame-mounted, 340-volt lithium-ion battery pack that recharges every time the unit brakes to reduce speed.

The hybrid system is monitored through an in-dash display. As the power requirements for different driving conditions change, the screen constantly updates the driver on system status.

"We were very impressed with Inland PacLease and how they showcased the hybrid to our company," said Chrest.  "We've always been impressed with the quality of Kenworth equipment and our drivers have a preference for driving those trucks.  Kenworth trucks relay a great image for our company and they're comfortable to drive.

"Now with the new hybrid, we're excited in entering a new chapter with PacLease.  Since they maintain the truck and have great customer service, we're very confident that the hybrid will be a big success for our company and shed further light on our efforts in recycling."