<p>Carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) are domains of carbohydrate-active enzymes with no catalytic activity but are crucial in recognizing and binding specific polysaccharides. Their structural and functional diversity enables targeted interactions with insoluble substrates, facilitating enzymatic degradation and enhancing process efficiency. CBMs are important tools in biotechnology, particularly in biofuel production, bioremediation, and the food and medical industries, where precise substrate targeting and delivery are critical. Advances in metagenomics and structural bioinformatics have expanded our knowledge of the diversity of CBMs and provided insights into new binding mechanisms and potential industrial applications. Despite their promising properties, challenges remain in engineering CBMs for improved stability and substrate range. We could unlock their full potential by addressing these limitations through protein engineering and computational tools. This review highlights the importance of CBMs in glycobiology and biotechnology. It argues for multidisciplinary approaches to utilize their diversity for innovative solutions in sustainable processes, including bioenergy and biopolymer synthesis, bridging the gap between basic research and industrial application.</p>