Antimicrobial food packaging materials: a comprehensive review of innovations, challenges, and future applications

Md Azizul Hakim Shiam et al.

Nutrition and Food Science2026https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs-10-2025-0345article
AJG 1
Weight
0.50

What the paper says

Purpose The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of antimicrobial food packaging materials, examining recent innovations, identifying key challenges and exploring potential future applications in the field. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted to evaluate recent advancements in antimicrobial food packaging materials. Relevant peer-reviewed studies were selected based on their focus on innovations, challenges and future applications, using databases such as Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar. Findings Recent advances in antimicrobial food packaging, including bionanocomposites, films and coatings incorporating nanoparticles, essential oils and plant extracts, have enhanced food safety and antimicrobial efficacy, although in some cases they may reduce mechanical strength and other functional properties. Nevertheless, challenges such as the migration of active compounds, regulatory constraints and microbial resistance persist. Approaches such as nanotechnology and active packaging with controlled-release systems can prolong antimicrobial activity and minimize risks, emphasizing the need for continued research to optimize these materials for safe, effective and sustainable food preservation. Originality/value A multidisciplinary approach is needed to balance antimicrobial packaging’s efficacy, safety and environmental impact. This finding has enormous implications for global food security and food waste reduction.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs-10-2025-0345

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@article{md2026,
  title        = {{Antimicrobial food packaging materials: a comprehensive review of innovations, challenges, and future applications}},
  author       = {Md Azizul Hakim Shiam et al.},
  journal      = {Nutrition and Food Science},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs-10-2025-0345},
}

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.