This review explores the potential of using fruit and vegetable waste and by-products to create biodegradable food packaging as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional, non-biodegradable options that contribute to pollution. The food industry produces significant waste, much of which contains valuable compounds like polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals that could enhance packaging properties. By repurposing food waste into biopolymers, edible films, and coatings, the industry can reduce plastic use and environmental impact while adding functional benefits.
The review highlights recent advancements in using food waste to produce packaging with improved antioxidant, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties, positioning these materials as sustainable alternatives to plastic. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also contributes to waste reduction and supports a circular economy. The findings are particularly relevant for the development of functional, biodegradable packaging systems that align with environmental sustainability goals.