Recent progress in sustainable biopolymer-based edible packaging for active food preservation

The significance of sustainable food packaging has prompted heightened study into biopolymer-based edible films and coatings as substitutes for conventional plastics. This review provides a critical assessment of recent advancements in polysaccharides, proteins, and lipid-based edible coatings utilized in active food preservation. The comparison of fabrication methods, functional properties, and uses in fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and bakery items packaging and preservation has been analytically discussed. Special attention has also been devoted to the strategies of antimicrobial and antioxidant bioactives incorporation into packaging films. The strategies to improve machine-driven strength, barrier performance, and extension of the shelf-life have also been discussed. Although this has made a great step, moisture issues, high volume production, regulatory acceptance, and cost-effectiveness have been identified as hurdles towards commercialization. Future trends such as nanocomposites, intelligent packaging systems and bioactive delivery platforms are identified as potential future directions. This review provides a critical perspective linking material properties with real industrial applicability, offering guidance for future research and commercial implementation.