Robbie Manufacturing Inc. is the winner of the Flexible Packaging Association’s 2009 Gold Award in Environmental and Sustainability Achievement.

The award recognizes Lenexa, Kan.-based Robbie’s Hot-N-Handy Bio-Pouch. The sustainable pouch, which is intended for fresh-prepared sandwiches, was developed to replace the rigid polystyrene-hinged containers that are commonly used in cold cases at retail locations.

Compared to rigid polystyrene containers, the Bio Pouch uses 92-percent less crude oil, reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 56 percent and decreases packaging material waste 75 percent by weight, the company notes.

Robbie also received the Linthicum, Md.-based Flexible Packaging Association’s Gold Award in Packaging Excellence, even though the Hot-N-Handy Bio-Pouch was not submitted in the Packaging Excellence Category. It was the second consecutive year that Robbie was given a Packaging Excellence Award.

The recently released Bio-Pouch has a built-in gusset that allows for various sizes of sandwiches to fit into one pouch.

It also features a clear, resealable adhesive strip for easy open and closure to store leftovers, and a slim profile that is designed to save refrigerator space.

A random four-color repeat print on the Bio-Pouch informs consumers that the sandwich they have just purchased is packaged in a pouch that will degrade and go “Back to Nature.”

The film is manufactured from renewable wood pulp, which enables it to naturally absorb moisture, providing increased freshness and less-soggy bread, the company states. It also is certified to meet ASTM D6400 composting norms.