Biogenic raw materials from food waste and by-products for smart packaging applications

Innovative smart packaging concepts are seen as crucial in addressing the challenges of sustainable food production. In this brief review paper, recent advancements in smart packaging are explored, with a focus on biogenic raw materials derived from agro-food by-products and waste. The primary goal is to develop environmentally sustainable systems that enhance food quality, extend shelf life, and thereby reduce economic and environmental losses. This paper briefly reviews recent findings on antioxidative and antimicrobial packaging concepts that delay food deterioration. One focus is on encapsulating natural substances and carbon dots in active films to boost their performance. The paper also discusses pH-sensitive anthocyanin-based indicators for assessing food freshness and analyzes strategies to stabilize these indicators, including encapsulation, enzyme inactivation, and multilayer film design. This review aims to provide guidance for future research and application in the field of sustainable smart packaging, offering innovative solutions for food preservation and food waste reduction.