Food Packaging Applications Research Articles

Poly(lactic acid) and copper‐modified montmorillonite nanocomposite films for antimicrobial food packaging

AbstractPolymer‐based nanocomposites loaded with metal nanoparticles are an interesting alternative for the development of antimicrobial food packaging. However, affinity and dispersion of metal nanoparticles could be improved using nanoclays. Therefore, nanocomposite films based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and copper modified‐montmorillonite were developed by melt‐extrusion technique. Copper‐modified montmorillonite at different valence states (MtCu2+ and MtCu0) were prepared. The nanocomposites were evaluated by means of their structural, optical, thermal and antimicrobial properties. Results showed that both nanoclays were intercalated in PLA but MtCu2+ was better dispersed. Therefore, color change ΔE < 2, higher thermal stability and higher elongation at break was evidenced for MtCu2+/PLA in comparison to pure PLA. Contrary, MtCu0 showed the displacement of Cu0 nanoparticles to the polymer matrix. These free nanoparticles were agglomerated and they leaded on a ΔE > 9 for MtCu0/PLA nanocomposites compared with PLA. Moreover, Cu0 nanoparticles in the matrix accelerated the thermal degradation and decreased the ductility of nanocomposites. On the other hand, both nanocomposites were able to reduce over 2 log10 of Escherichia coli growth and MtCu2+/PLA showed a higher antimicrobial activity against Listeria innocua. These results showed the potential of nanocomposite films based on PLA and copper‐modified montmorillonite for antimicrobial food packaging applications.

Reversible Photo-Responsive Hydrophobic Coating Synthesized from Lignin-Derivable Molecules on Nanocellulose Films for Packaging Applications.

Paper-based packaging can offer a sustainable replacement for plastics. However, paper provides a poor barrier to water, oxygen and moisture. This study presents a novel renewable lignocellulosic composite made from a hydrophobic photo-reversible coating deposited onto a cellulose nanofiber film that has improved barrier properties and can be reprocessed. Diglycerol and lignin-derivable aldehyde were reacted to form a tetra-functional monomer with photo-responsive unsaturated double bonds that can be converted to covalent cyclobutane rings to create reversibly crosslinkable network upon UV-irradiation. The photo-responsive compound was applied as a thin coating of thickness 2.7±0.4 μm over cellulose nanofiber (CNF) films of thickness 80±19 μm. The surface of the coated films became hydrophobic with a contact angle (CA) of 93.1±1.7° and displayed a low water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) of 16±2 g/m2/day vs. 30.7±1.5° CA and 81±11 g/m2/day WVTR for uncoated CNF films. The coated film is also oleophobic, an attractive feature for food packaging applications. The reversible photo-reaction enables the crosslinked covalent network to be broken down to unsaturated double bonds once exposed to a higher-energy UV irradiation, allowing reprocessing and recycling. The novel coating was developed using a sustainable green synthesis method (process simple E factor 0.9).

PH-controlled-ion-mobility of Laponite-phosphate dispersion for physical hydrogel with improved mechanical properties and sensitivity to CO2

Self-assembled physical nanocomposite hydrogels based on bio-based poly(itaconic acid) and Laponite® nanoclays were prepared and tested as possible CO2 sensors in smart food packaging. The structure and mechanical properties of the fabricated hydrogels were controlled by changing the initial pH of the aqueous Laponite® dispersions stabilised by tetrasodium pyrophosphate. The dispersions were studied by SAXS and analysed using circular disc and fractal model to determine clay agglomeration tendency. Sodium and pyrophosphate ions mobility was investigated by 23Na and 31P 1D as well as spin-spin relaxation times T2 NMR measurements. The rheological behaviour of the produced hydrogels was studied by oscillatory shear measurements. It was found that decreasing the pH of the Laponite® nanodispersions up to 8 increases the strength of the physical interactions between the nanoclays, dispersant, and polyelectrolyte chains, which enables production of dimensionally stable and mechanically robust hydrogels. Their potential application as the CO2-sensitive matrix for construction of environmentally friendly colorimetric sensors was demonstrated showing the CO2 sorption capacity of 0.07 mmol CO2/g. A prototype device of hydrogel sensor was built and tested in a food packaging application to monitor the plum fruit respiration processes.

Citronella Oil as Additives in Active Carrageenan -based Food Packaging Films: A Review

The natural degradation process of plastics is slow and harmful to the environment, making biodegradable films a more advantageous option. These films not only reduce environmental pollution but also have the potential to preserve food products and extend their shelf life. This study explores the potential of utilizing iota carrageenan-based films in combination with essential oils for food packaging applications. Iota carrageenan, known for its high elasticity and thixothrophic properties, serves as an ideal base material for film formation. Essential oils, with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, are incorporated into the packaging material to enhance shelf life and prevent food spoilage. Citronella oil demonstrates effective antimicrobial and antioxidant activities for food preservation. The presence of essential oils acts as plasticizers in the film, improving flexibility but requiring careful consideration of concentration to maintain network strength.

Pineapple stem starch-based films incorporated with pineapple leaf carbon dots as functional filler for active food packaging applications

Pineapple leaf waste, a byproduct of agricultural processes, was used as a novel raw material to synthesize carbon dots (CDs) through a simple hydrothermal method. The CDs were subsequently incorporated into pineapple stem starch (PSS)-based active food packaging films. The characterization of the CDs and PSS-CDs films was conducted using various techniques, including UV-light spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed that the CDs measured 2.36 ± 0.33 nm and exhibited antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The addition of the CDs led to notable enhancements in both mechanical strength and UV-barrier properties. Thus, PSS-CDs packaging film was successfully prepared, with the incorporation of CDs enhancing the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the film, thereby extending the shelf-life of fresh pork.

Processing and Properties of Polyhydroxyalkanoate/ZnO Nanocomposites: A Review of Their Potential as Sustainable Packaging Materials.

The escalating environmental concerns associated with conventional plastic packaging have accelerated the development of sustainable alternatives, making food packaging a focus area for innovation. Bioplastics, particularly polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), have emerged as potential candidates due to their biobased origin, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. PHAs stand out for their good mechanical and medium gas permeability properties, making them promising materials for food packaging applications. In parallel, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) have gained attention for their antimicrobial properties and ability to enhance the mechanical and barrier properties of (bio)polymers. This review aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the research on PHA/ZnO nanocomposites. It starts with the importance and current challenges of food packaging, followed by a discussion on the opportunities of bioplastics and PHAs. Next, the synthesis, properties, and application areas of ZnO NPs are discussed to introduce their potential use in (bio)plastic food packaging. Early research on PHA/ZnO nanocomposites has focused on solvent-assisted production methods, whereas novel technologies can offer additional possibilities with regard to industrial upscaling, safer or cheaper processing, or more specific incorporation of ZnO NPs in the matrix or on the surface of PHA films or fibers. Here, the use of solvent casting, melt processing, electrospinning, centrifugal fiber spinning, miniemulsion encapsulation, and ultrasonic spray coating to produce PHA/ZnO nanocomposites is explained. Finally, an overview is given of the reported effects of ZnO NP incorporation on thermal, mechanical, gas barrier, UV barrier, and antimicrobial properties in ZnO nanocomposites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate). We conclude that the functionality of PHA materials can be improved by optimizing the ZnO incorporation process and the complex interplay between intrinsic ZnO NP properties, dispersion quality, matrix-filler interactions, and crystallinity. Further research regarding the antimicrobial efficiency and potential migration of ZnO NPs in food (simulants) and the End-of-Life will determine the market potential of PHA/ZnO nanocomposites as active packaging material.

Improved mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of halloysite nanotubes and nanocellulose incorporated PVA-PEO films: For food packaging applications

This work presents a novel polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanocomposite with halloysite nanotube (HNT)-nanocellulose (NC) hybrid filler to tailor the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. PVA-PEO/ HNT-NC nanocomposites are characterized using various analytical techniques such as FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, and SEM. The study evaluated the impact of hybrid filler on water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), moisture retention capacity (MRC), peroxide value (POV), and mechanical properties. The simultaneous application of 3 wt% HNT and 5 wt% NC resulted in a 20 % increase in tensile strength and approximately two-fold increase in Young's modulus, with a maximum degradation temperature increase of 22° C and 16° C in the second and third stages, respectively. Compared to the pure blend, the nanocomposite exhibited a 67 % (26.7 ± 0.6 mEq/kg) improvement in oxygen barrier performance, while maintaining a low WVTR and good MRC, demonstrating their suitability for packaging applications.

Design and Evaluation of pH-Sensitive Pectin Films Infused with Anthocyanin-Rich Extracts from Australian Native Fruits for Intelligent Food Packaging Applications

This study investigates the incorporation of anthocyanin-rich extracts from Mountain Pepper Berry (MPB) and Queen Garnet Plum (QGP) into pectin-based films to develop pH-sensitive indicators. Using glycerol as an extraction solvent, significant differences in anthocyanin composition were identified: MPB extracts contained a diverse range of anthocyanin species, with a total content of 267.13 ± 5.21 mg L⁻¹, compared to the predominantly cyanidin-based QGP extracts, with 222.14 ± 1.61 mg L⁻¹. Differences in anthocyanin structures were elucidated using UPLC-Q-ToF-MS/MS analysis. FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to assess the compatibility of the extracts with pectin and the homogeneity of anthocyanins within the film structure. Mechanical testing revealed that MPB films exhibited superior tensile strength (8.53 ± 0.51 MPa), stiffness (2274 ± 158.64 gmm− 1), and energy to failure (141.7 ± 16.23 J m− 3) compared to QGP films, which had lower tensile strength (7.74 ± 0.32 MPa), stiffness (1947 ± 125.82 gmm− 1), and energy to failure (115 ± 18.81 J m− 3). Both film types displayed similar moisture content (MPB: 48.89%, QGP: 48.13%) and water vapour permeability, indicating comparable barrier properties. When exposed to volatile ammonia, QGP films showed a more pronounced colour change, attributed to their anthocyanin profile, with a notable shift from red to brown. This research highlights the potential of glycerol-extracted anthocyanins from Australian native fruits as functional additives in pectin films, offering promising applications for intelligent packaging with enhanced mechanical performance and responsive colour-changing properties.Graphical

Gluten-Based Composite Film for Smart Food Packaging Applications

Gluten-Based Composite Film for Smart Food Packaging Applications

Anti-pathogenic and probiotic-friendly effect of benzyloxy pyridine derivative impregnated into bacterial cellulose matrix

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has emerged as a promising biomaterial for biomedical applications due to its unique properties. In this study, firstly, the potential of BC as a carrier material for the originally synthesized benzyloxy pyridine derivative (BeOxP), and also an antimicrobial and probiotic bacteria-friendly (on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v (LP299V®) (DSM 9843)) effect of BC- BeOxP was investigated. The BC- BeOxP composite material was developed using a simple and efficient method, ensuring the uniform dispersion of BeOxP within the BC matrix. Characterization of BeOxP has been carried out with High-Resolution Mass Spectroscopy (HRMS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Additionally, BC- BeOxP was characterized by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential thermal analysis (DTA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Texture analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirming the successful integration of BeOxP without compromising the structural integrity of BC. The mechanical properties of the BC- BeOxP composites were also evaluated to ensure their suitability for drug-carrying or food-packaging applications. Antimicrobial activity of the BC- BeOxP was analyzed against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 while the probiotic-friendly effect was tested on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v (LP299V®) (DSM 9843). The findings open avenues for further research of BC-based drug carriers or packaging materials for advanced biomedical applications.

Physico-mechanical Properties of Nano Bio-films For Application in Food Packaging

Petroleum-based packaging has long dominated the packaging industry, raising environmental concerns. As a result, the packaging industry has started using nano bio-plastics. Incorporating nanoparticles, nano bio-plastic packaging helps in prolonging product shelf life. Additionally, packaging manufactured of nano bio-plastic is made of biodegradable polymers. Nano bio-films made from polylactic acid (PLA) and nanoclay were produced using a solvent casting process. 1.0%, 3.0% and 5.0% (wt.) of nanoclay were added to the PLA solution. The mechanical, chemical, morphological and transparency properties of nano bio-films were investigated. To improve their suitability for food packaging applications, tensile test, Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-barrier test were performed. With tensile strength (TS) of 30.36 MPa and elongation at break (EAB) of 7.05%, respectively, nano bio-films with 3.0 wt. % nanoclay demonstrated higher mechanical properties than pure PLA film with about 35% of increment. In aspects of FTIR analysis, no significant differences were found with both nano bio-films and pure PLA film. The SEM morphology shows that adding nanoclay at 3.0 wt. % improves the adhesion between the PLA matrix and the nanoclay. The addition of nanoclay had a minimal impact on the PLA film's transparency, and it was interesting to see that nanoclay concentration of 1.0 wt. % and 3.0 wt. % had roughly the same light transmission values of 84.86% and 83.95%, respectively. According to the findings of this study, the PLA nano bio-film with 3.0 wt% nanoclay exhibits the optimum physico-mechanical properties.

Physicochemical and biological evaluation of ‘click’ synthesized vinyl epoxide-chitosan film for active food packaging

Chitosan (Cs) being a natural biopolymer serves as an excellent template to construct active packaging materials for achieving sustainable development. In this study, Cs was chemically modified via epoxide ring opening click reaction using vinyl epoxide to obtain a novel chitosan vinyl epoxide (Cs-VE) derivative with hydroxyl and olefinic functional groups. The Cs-VE transparent film was fabricated through the eco-friendly solution casting technique. A meticulous investigation into the chemical structure and physicochemical properties of the synthesized films was conducted using FT-IR, 1H NMR and XRD analyses. The thermal stability and homogeneity of the film were verified by thermogram and FE-SEM images respectively. Improved mechanical properties (tensile strength of 24.64 MPa and 12.08 % elongation at break) and excellent UV-light blocking ability (9.3 % transmittance at 350 nm and 22.15 % transparency at 600 nm) were observed. Also, important parameters such as water vapor permeability (WVP), swelling degree, water solubility and UV-barrier properties were found to be adequate for food packaging application. Similarly, enhanced antioxidant activity with 27.2 % and 73.6 % radical scavenging against DPPH and ABTS radicals respectively was observed for the synthesized Cs-VE film. The film showed antimicrobial activity against both bacteria and fungi. These results along with food packaging studies on Grewia asiatica fruit established the developed Cs-VE film as a suitable candidate for active food packaging application.

Smart conducting polymer innovations for sustainable and safe food packaging technologies.

Biofilm formation on food packaging surfaces is a major issue in the industry, as it leads to contamination, reduces shelf life, and poses risks to human health. To mitigate these effects, developing smart coatings that can actively sense and combat microbial growth has become a critical research focus. This study is motivated by the need for intelligent packaging solutions that integrate antimicrobial agents and sensors for real-time contamination detection. It is hypothesized that combining conducting polymers (CPs) with nanomaterials can enhance antimicrobial efficacy while maintaining the mechanical integrity and environmental stability required for food packaging applications. Through the application of numerous technologies like surface modification, CP-nanoparticle integration, and multilayered coating, the antimicrobial performance and sensor capabilities of these materials were analyzed. Case studies showed a 90% inhibition of bacterial growth and a tenfold decrease in viable bacterial counts with AgNPs incorporation, extending strawberries' shelf life by 40% and maintaining fish freshness for an additional 5 days. Moreover, multilayered CP coatings in complex systems have been shown to reduce oxidative spoilage in nuts and dried fruits by up to 85%, while maintaining the quality of leafy greens for up to 3 weeks under suboptimal conditions. Environmental assessments indicated a 30% reduction in carbon footprint when CP coatings were combined with biodegradable polymers, contributing to a more transparent and reliable food supply chain. CP-based films integrated with intelligent sensors exhibit high sensitivity, detecting ammonia concentrations below 500ppb, and offer significant selectivity for sensing hazardous gases. These findings indicate that CP-based smart coatings markedly enhance food safety and sustainability in packaging applications.

Composite film based on carboxymethyl cellulose and gellan gum with honokiol-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex: Characterization and application in strawberry preservation

The aim of this study is to fabricate a biodegradable film based on carboxymethyl cellulose and gellan gum (CMC/GG) with the honokiol/β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (HNK/β-CD). The HNK/β-CD was prepared by freeze-drying and its physicochemical properties were investigated. Then HNK/β-CD was added to CMC/GG solution to form CMC/GG honokiol inclusion complex (HIC) composite film by the casting method. The physicochemical properties, antioxidant and antibacterial effects, and strawberry preservation function were investigated. The composite film with 0.18 % inclusion complex (CMC/GG/0.18 % HIC) was found to be the optimal formulation. The film had a tensile strength of 8.20 MPa and an elongation at break of 115.17 % with water vapor permeability of 0.48 g·mm·(cm2·h·KPa)−1. The increase of HNK/β-CD content yielded lower optical transmittance and water content of CMC/GG/HIC composite film, while improved the hydrophilicity value. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) scavenging capacities of CMC/GG/0.18 % HIC composite film were 80.83 % and 53.10 % respectively. CMC/GG/HIC composite film was bacteriostatic against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans but not against Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger. Packing strawberries with the optimized composite film can retain the appearance, titratable acidity and vitamin C content of strawberries, which was better than the commercially fresh-keeping film control group. The CMC/GG/HIC composite film overcame the shortcomings of a single material, and gained importance in food packaging applications.

Photo-responsive Cu-tannic acid nanoparticle-mediated antibacterial film for efficient preservation of strawberries

The existing films used for fruit preservation suffer from insufficient preservation abilities. This study introduces Cu-tannic acid (Cu-TA) nanoparticles, synthesized from tannic acid (TA) and Cu2+, to enhance food packaging properties. Integrated into a chitosan-gelatin (CG) matrix, the resultant Cu-TA nanocomposite films exhibit superior antibacterial efficacy and killing rates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus more than 99 %, and double the shelf life of strawberries, underscoring the exceptional freshness preservation capabilities of film. Additionally, the tensile strength of the Cu-TA nanocomposite films increased by 1.75 times, the DPPH radical scavenging percentage increased from 29.4 % to 68.4 %, and the water vapor permeability (WVP) decreased by about 60 % compared to the pure CG films. Comprehensive cytotoxicity and migration assessments confirm the safety of film, paving the way for their application in food packaging. The excellent performance of the Cu-TA nanocomposite films positions them as a formidable solution for protecting perishable food items.

Preparation of active films with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties by combining ginger essential oil nanoemulsion with xylan and polyvinyl alcohol

Due to the environmental challenges of petroleum-based packaging, new biodegradable and active food packaging has garnered significant attention. In this work, active films were generated with xylan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the film-forming matrix, combined with ginger essential oil nanoemulsions (GEO-NEs) at varying concentrations (2.0 %, 4.0 %, 6.0 %, and 8.0 % w/w). The GEO-NEs, produced via ultrasound, had a mean particle size measuring 176.4 ± 1.2 nm and demonstrated excellent stability for up to 28 d. FTIR and XRD analyses revealed that interactions between GEO-NEs and the film matrix occurred through hydrogen bonding, indicating good compatibility between the components. Incorporating GEO-NEs significantly enhanced the UV shielding performance and mechanical characteristics of the composite films, achieving mechanical characteristics comparable to those of commercial packaging materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Additionally, composite films with 2 % and 4 % GEO-NEs exhibited lower water vapor permeability (WVP) than the control film, indicating improved water barrier performance. GEO-NEs also significantly improved the antioxidant activity of the composite films and imparted certain antimicrobial properties. As a result, these films hold promise for applications in active food packaging.

Effects of nanosilica and nanocellulose on poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) nanocomposites for food packaging applications

AbstractPolymeric materials are highlighted in the global market due to their low cost, excellent properties, and diversity of applications, such as food packaging, which in addition to protecting packaged foods also promotes control and conservation against contaminants. Thus, the objective of this research is to investigate the effects of adding silica nanoparticles and cellulose nanofibers, alone and together, on the properties of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate), aiming for application in food packaging. For this purpose, PBAT and the nanofillers were initially mixed in a rheometer to produce masterbatches, and, then, to be processed by a single screw extruder to generate the nanocomposites. The nanocomposites are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance, tensile testing, water contact angle, and microbial permeability. In low concentrations, it is observed that the system tends to be less heterogeneous. Nanoparticles do not interfere with thermal stability and present a barrier to microorganisms. Interestingly, in the two conditions studied, polymers with cellulose nanofibers or silica nanoparticles have filtering capacity, being effective as physical barriers to the growth of microorganisms within 60 days. However, the effect on mechanical properties is small, being more pronounced with the use of cellulose nanofibers.

A pH-responsive fluorescent film with the smartphone-assistance for real-time and visual detection of food freshness

Monitoring food freshness is considerably important for food safety. In this study, a smart pH-responsive fluorescence hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose-κ-carrageenan-fluorescein isothiocyanate-NH2-CaAl2O4 (H-K-F-N) film was prepared. Taking synergetic advantage of the pH-dependent behavior of fluorescein isothiocyanate dye and the luminescence characteristics of calcium aluminate phosphor, the film exhibited a unique strong pH-responsive fluorescence with an exceptional linear relationship (correlation coefficient, R2 = 0.9993) across a wide pH rang of 2.0–12.0. Moreover, the H-K-F-N film, as a smart sensor, could be used to estimate the total volatile basic nitrogen and total viable count through fluorescence intensity based on the partial least squares regression model and support vector machine regression, respectively. Leveraging the relationship between the fluorescent image's digital signals and food freshness indicators, a smartphone-assisted system was developed. These results demonstrated that H-K-F-N film is promising for applications in intelligent food packaging and food safety monitoring.

Progress in essential oil extraction and their applications in food packaging and preservation

AbstractEssential oils (EOs) are secondary metabolites synthesised by many aromatic plants, which have good antimicrobial and antioxidant activities making them popular functional agents for food preservation and packaging applications. In recent years, novel extraction techniques, such as super critical fluid extraction, pulsed electric field assisted extraction and ultrasound assisted extraction have been explored as alternatives to the conventional solvent‐based extraction methods. This review mainly discusses on recent progresses in sustainable extraction of essential oil (EO) from aromatic plants and food processing wastes and their functional properties, and applications in food preservation have also been summarised. Sustainable extraction techniques yield better‐quality EO due to low temperature and short time process compared to the conventional extraction. Despite efficacy of EOs as good active agents, their low water solubility, volatile nature, strong flavour, and susceptibility to food processing parameters are major challenges against their applications in food. These challenges can be mitigated by advanced techniques such as encapsulation and nanoemulsification of EO, which provide dual functions of enhanced applicability and improved functional properties. Incorporation of EO in the biopolymer‐based films and coatings can open avenues for sustainable food packaging and preservation.

Recent Trends in the Synthesis of Monomers for Furanoate Polyesters and Their Nanocomposites’ Fabrication as a Sustainable Packaging Material

Furanoate polyesters are an extremely promising new class of materials for packaging applications, particularly furanoate-based nanocomposites, which have gained a high interest level in research and development in both academia and industries. The monomers utilised for the synthesis of furanoate-based polyesters were derived from lignocellulosic biomass, which is essential for both eco-friendliness and sustainability. Also, these polyesters have a lower carbon footprint compared to fossil-based plastics, contributing to greenhouse gas reduction. The furanoate-based nanocomposites exhibit enhanced performance characteristics, such as high thermal stability, excellent mechanical strength, superior barrier resistance, and good bacteriostatic rate, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications, especially for food-packaging applications. This paper reviews the recent trends in the synthesis routes of monomers, such as the various catalytic activities involved in the oxidation of 5(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and its ester, dimethyl furan-2,5-dicarboxylate (DMFD). In addition, this review explores the fabrication of different furanoate-based nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization, by melt mixing or solvent evaporation methods, and by using different types of nanoparticles to enhance the overall material properties of the resulting nanocomposites. Emphasis was given to presenting the effect of these nanoparticles on the furanoate polyester’s properties.