Smart and Active Packaging Using Bio‐Based Polymers

ABSTRACT

The development of smart and active packaging derived from bio‐based polymers has gained considerable attention in recent years, although existing studies remain dispersed across different materials and functional applications. This review examines recent advances in key bio‐based polymers, including polylactic acid (PLA), starch, chitosan, cellulose, gelatin, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), for the fabrication of active packaging systems with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and gas‐ or ethylene‐scavenging capabilities. In addition, intelligent packaging technologies such as pH‐responsive indicators, freshness sensors, time–temperature indicators, radio‐frequency identification (RFID), and biosensing platforms are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on their applications in highly perishable foods and cold‐chain distribution systems, supported by quantitative performance evaluations. The review also assesses environmental sustainability by comparing biodegradation behavior under industrial composting, soil, and marine environments, while highlighting the technical and regulatory challenges that hinder commercial implementation. Current evidence indicates that optimized formulations and the incorporation of nanomaterials can significantly improve barrier performance against oxygen and moisture while enabling effective visual or electronic monitoring functions. Nevertheless, the overall environmental benefits remain dependent on specific life‐cycle conditions and end‐of‐life management scenarios.