Recent Developments in Intelligent, Active, and Sustainable Food Packaging Systems for Enhanced Food Safety and Quality Assurance
Authors/Creators
- 1. Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Food Science and Human Ecology, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
- 2. Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Anchor University Lagos, Ayobo, Lagos, Nigeria.
- 3. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Federal University of Wukari, Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria.
- 4. Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Anchor University Lagos, Ayobo, Lagos, Nigeria.
- 5. Department of Biochemistry, College of Bioscience, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Description
ABSTRACT: Background: The global food packaging industry is undergoing a paradigm shift from passive containment toward dynamic, multifunctional systems that actively preserve food quality, monitor spoilage in real time, and minimize environmental impact.
Objectives: This review synthesizes recent advances (2020–2025) in intelligent, active, and sustainable food packaging with emphasis on technological principles, material innovations, and regulatory frameworks.
Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Publications from 2020 to 2025 were included.
Results: Active packaging incorporating antimicrobial agents, essential oils, and nanocomposites demonstrated significant shelf-life extension. Intelligent systems including colorimetric freshness indicators, time-temperature indicators (TTIs), biosensors, and RFID-enabled labels offer real-time food quality data. Sustainable alternatives such as polylactic acid (PLA), chitosan-based films, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) address environmental concerns associated with petroleum-derived plastics. Artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) integration are accelerating these advances.
Conclusion: Convergence of smart materials, digital technologies, and circular economy principles is transforming food packaging. Harmonized regulatory frameworks, consumer acceptance, and cost-effectiveness remain critical challenges for broader adoption.
Keywords: active packaging; sustainable food packaging; nanocomposites; biosensors; food safety; shelf-life extension; biopolymers.