<p>The development of effective shielding materials against electromagnetic radiation is urgently needed to cope with the increasing electromagnetic pollution. Sandwich composite structures that can shield electromagnetic wave radiation are a form of electromagnetic pollution mitigation that has attracted widespread attention. Sandwich composite structures have garnered significant attention in engineering and healthcare due to their unique properties and wide-ranging applications. This review provides an in-depth analysis of material selection, mechanical performance, and the effectiveness of these composites in mitigating electromagnetic interference (EMI). The discussion centers on critical mechanical properties, including tensile strength, Young's modulus, and flexural strength. Furthermore, the review assesses the capabilities of sandwich composites in EMI shielding, focusing on key performance indicators such as Total Shielding Effectiveness (SE_T), Absorption Shielding Effectiveness (SE_A), and Reflection Shielding Effectiveness (SE_R). This review aims to identify the challenges and opportunities in optimizing sandwich composite structures by synthesizing recent advancements from theoretical literature and empirical research. The insights presented herein will inform researchers and industry practitioners on developing high-performance materials and designs that excel in mechanical properties and EMI shielding performance.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>