Valorization of mango byproducts for sustainable active packaging: Advances in functionalized biopolymer films

Faced with the environmental crisis caused by plastic waste, recent research has focused on the development of biopolymer-based food packaging films with enhanced properties, among which agricultural byproducts are promising resources. This review comprehensively analyzes the application value of different mango byproducts-peel, seeds, and leaves-in sustainable active packaging films. It evaluates the latest progress in utilizing these wastes: peel phenolics and pectins can enhance antioxidant, UV-protective, and smart pH-responsive properties; seed starch, kernel extracts, and oils can improve mechanical strength, thermal stability, and hydrophobicity; and leaf bioactives exhibit strong antimicrobial functions. This work innovatively synthesizes strategies for extracting these functional components and integrating them into various biopolymer matrices (e.g., chitosan, polylactic acid, starch), demonstrating their efficacy in significantly extending the shelf life of perishable foods. This study highlights mango byproducts as a versatile and environmentally friendly alternative that aligns with circular economy principles and has the potential to transform waste into high-value packaging materials-despite challenges in standardization and scalability.