A review on active packaging for quality and safety of foods: Current trends, applications, prospects and challenges

The dynamic interplay of food, environment, and human factors has expanded the role of active packaging in maintaining and improving food safety and quality, extending product shelf life, and promoting marketability. Given the desirability of active food packaging, continuous assessment of its safety and effectiveness is required. Recognizing the gap between research and commercialization, the latest innovations and technologies must comply with regulatory standards. This article provides an overview of the basic scientific work on active packaging, its existing industrial applications, future perspective, and market outlook. This review is based on related articles published from 2013 to present, focusing on three main modes of action: chemical absorption and scavenging, chemical release, and microbial control. Examples of commercial brands and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)-endorsed active packaging systems were included to illustrate how the market potential of active packaging is hampered by current limitations in technology, consumer behavior, and legislation.