Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents as Green Processing and Functional Media in Food Packaging

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) are emerging as sustainable alternatives to conventional solvents owing to their low toxicity and biodegradability, offering multifunctional benefits for biopolymer-based packaging applications. This study reviews the various roles of NADES as solvents, processing media, plasticizers, and active components in film-forming and coating systems. The findings suggest that NADES effectively modify polymer chain mobility, enhancing mechanical performance and film homogeneity; thus, their use as plasticizers and functional carriers is highly promising. However, several barriers to industrial adoption remain, including limited research on scale-up processes, formulation dependency, high viscosity, and hygroscopic behaviors. Furthermore, the lack of regulatory recognition and insufficient data on the long-term exposure effects continue to hinder commercial implementation. Future efforts must transition from laboratory-scale empirical formulations to predictive, engineering-oriented designs, with priority given to the development of structure-property-function models that link NADES composition directly to polymer performance. Addressing these challenges will facilitate the development of high-performance, eco-friendly packaging materials that align with the principles of a circular economy.