Biodegradable and smart packaging films for food quality and safety: A review

Abstract

Growing concerns over single-use plastic (SUP) waste, regulatory restrictions on non-recyclable materials, and the need for environmentally responsible solutions are accelerating the shift toward sustainable food packaging systems. Within the SUP category, packaging contributes approximately 40 % of the global plastic waste burden, underscoring the urgent demand for bio-based, biodegradable alternatives. In this context, biodegradable and smart packaging films have gained considerable attention for their potential to reduce plastic pollution, extend the shelf life of perishable products, and preserve food safety and nutritional quality. This review provides an in-depth overview of recent innovations in biodegradable films developed from renewable resources such as polysaccharides, proteins