This chapter provides a comprehensive review of edible films and coatings developed from natural biopolymers with incorporated functional (antimicrobial, antioxidant) compounds, primarily derived from food industry by-products and natural extracts. The study emphasises the growing interest in bio-based, biodegradable packaging alternatives to synthetic materials, focusing on compounds such as chitosan, starch, pectin, alginate, and various plant-derived extracts and essential oils. Special attention is given to the dual role of these materials—not only as physical barriers but also as active systems enhancing food safety and shelf life. In addition, this study analyses their physicochemical, mechanical, and barrier properties, as well as their effectiveness against common food-borne pathogens and oxidative processes. It also explores current trends in the application of natural bioactive substances, including polyphenols, essential oils, and nanosized additives, highlighting their mode of action and compatibility with edible matrices, as well as the combination of nonthermal technologies with edible packaging to improve the microbiological status of the product. The commercially available edible packaging is listed here, as well as the importance and challenges of edible packaging in the food-producing sector. The findings support the potential of edible films as sustainable solutions for active food packaging and propose directions for future research in formulation optimisation, regulatory compliance, and industrial scalability.