Multifunctional meat packaging in the digital era: a scoping review of innovations, gaps, and future pathways

The packaging of meat products is undergoing transformation driven by increasing demands for safety, quality, traceability, and sustainability. Conventional packaging systems, designed primarily for containment and passive preservation, are increasingly inadequate for addressing challenges associated with perishability, extended supply chains, and environmental concerns linked to petrochemical-based materials. Emerging advances integrating smart materials, digital technologies, and circular economy principles are redefining packaging as an active and intelligent system rather than a passive barrier. This study systematically synthesizes recent developments in advanced meat packaging using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) protocol. Twenty peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were analyzed using the Theory-Context-Characteristics-Methodology (TCCM) framework. The review examined innovations in active and intelligent packaging, bio-based and biodegradable materials, real-time sensing systems, and digitally integrated technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain. Findings indicate a transition toward multifunctional packaging systems incorporating antimicrobial and antioxidant films, freshness indicators, RFID-enabled traceability, and AI-driven predictive models for real-time quality monitoring. Despite these advances, challenges related to scalability, regulation, technological complexity, and consumer acceptance remain significant. The review proposes a conceptual roadmap supporting future research and sustainable industry implementation.