Bee products in biopolymer films/coatings: Advancing sustainable active packaging for food preservation

The environmental concerns associated with petroleum-based plastics have accelerated the transition toward sustainable biopolymer packaging. Bee products-beeswax, propolis, honey, pollen, and royal jelly-serve as valuable natural additives that enhance biopolymer film performance while supporting eco-friendly objectives. This review examines the incorporation of bee-derived compounds into polysaccharide-, protein-, and polyester-based films. It explores how each bee product modifies film properties: beeswax enhances hydrophobicity, propolis provides bioactivity, honey improves flexibility, and pollen/royal jelly add functional enrichment. Strategies to improve compatibility between hydrophobic bee products and hydrophilic biopolymers, such as emulsification and cross-linking, are also discussed. Bee products significantly improve biopolymer films: beeswax reduces moisture transmission, propolis offers antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, honey improves plasticity, and pollen/royal jelly contribute nutritional and functional diversity. These enhancements help delay spoilage in foods such as fruits, meats, and dairy products, while maintaining the biodegradability essential for sustainable packaging.