Antimicrobial food packaging materials: a comprehensive review of innovations, challenges, and future applications

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of antimicrobial food packaging materials, examining recent innovations, identifying key challenges and exploring potential future applications in the field. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted to evaluate recent advancements in antimicrobial food packaging materials. Relevant peer-reviewed studies were selected based on their focus on innovations, challenges and future applications, using databases such as Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar. Findings Recent advances in antimicrobial food packaging, including bionanocomposites, films and coatings incorporating nanoparticles, essential oils and plant extracts, have enhanced food safety and antimicrobial efficacy, although in