Galactomannans: A Suitable Biopolymer to Produce Advanced Food Packaging

Galactomannans (GMs) have promising food packaging applications as edible films and coatings. These natural polysaccharides offer an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional nonbiodegradable and nonedible plastic materials. By forming biopolymeric matrices with desirable mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties, GM not only enhances the preservation and quality of food products but also addresses growing concerns about plastic waste and environmental pollution. The versatility and compatibility of GM with other biopolymers and bioactive compounds further expand their applicability, positioning GM-based films and coatings as a promising solution for advancing sustainable packaging technologies in the food industry. Given the increasing demand for sustainable food packaging, this review is aimed at consolidating and presenting the current research on the use of GMs in food packaging applications. Despite the potential of GM-based materials, studies on this topic remain limited. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of existing research while highlighting knowledge gaps and unexplored opportunities. By addressing these limitations, this work offers a novel perspective on the application of GM in sustainable packaging, contributing to the advancement of innovative and environmentally friendly solutions.