Films with high antimicrobial power: Fundamentals, Main components extracted from agro-industrial by-products, and applications

In recent years, the packaging industry has begun to become aware of the environmental impact of the materials used in its products. The growing interest of consumers in greener options has led the industry to focus on research and development of alternatives that are not only more sustainable, but also maintain and improve product characteristics, guaranteeing longer shelf life and food safety. This article explores how some biological waste from the agricultural and agro-industrial chain, combined with antimicrobial agents, can be used to create biodegradable, active and intelligent packaging. These packages not only improve the quality of food, but also offer barrier properties that help preserve its safety until it reaches the final consumer.