Cellulose, a renewable biopolymer with hydroxy-rich structures and functional compatibility, is pivotal for sustainable smart food packaging. This review synthesizes recent progress in cellulose-based smart packaging, covering production, forms, fabrication, applications, and challenges. Cellulose serves as an ideal matrix for films, gels, emulsions, and coatings, enabling as a carrier of indicators, responsive release systems, and sensors. Emerging techniques 3D printing offer customized structures with enhanced performance, Ionic liquid dissolution and solvent exchange regeneration offer enhancement of optical and mechanical properties. In smart food packaging, cellulose-based materials monitor food quality through pH-sensitive indicators and gas sensors, while active packaging utilizes its carrier properties for controlled release of antimicrobials/antioxidants. Safety considerations emphasize biocompatibility and regulatory compliance, though challenges remain in production (equipment compatibility, cost) and functional stability (indicator sensitivity, controlled release precision). With advantages in biodegradability and tunable functionality, cellulose-based packaging is poised to replace conventional plastics in organic/natural food applications. Future research should prioritize scalable processing, waste utilization, and stability of function to accelerate the transition to green, smart food packaging solutions.
Liang et al. (2026) studied this question.