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With the continuous evolution of the food industry, extending the shelf life of products while maintaining quality and safety has become a major challenge, alongside growing environmental concerns related to conventional plastic packaging. This study aims to provide an overview of recent advances in active biodegradable films as sustainable alternatives for food applications. A comprehensive review of the relevant literature was conducted, including bibliometric analysis to identify key research directions, emerging trends, and technological developments in the field. Our findings highlight the growing interest in biodegradable polymers incorporated with active compounds, such as antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, which contribute to delaying degradation processes and preserving food freshness. Additionally, the analysis emphasizes the mechanisms of action of these active substances and the factors influencing the biodegradability of packaging materials. The results also reveal a shift toward environmentally friendly solutions driven by the need to reduce plastic waste and improve sustainability. In conclusion, active biodegradable films represent a promising approach to enhancing food preservation while minimizing environmental impact, although further research is needed to optimize material performance, scalability, and industrial applicability.
Șuian et al. (Mon,) studied this question.