The development of advanced materials for food packaging is a rapidly evolving field, propelled by the rising demand for more sustainable and safer food systems. Traditional plastic packaging presents significant environmental challenges due to its persistence in the environment and limited recycling pathways. In response, the scientific community is increasingly turning to nanostructured and biopolymer-based soft materials as promising, eco-friendly alternatives. These novel materials can be engineered to provide active and intelligent functions—such as antimicrobial action, oxygen scavenging, and controlled release of bioactive compounds—which not only extend food shelf life but also reduce food waste. This research sits at the intersection of materials science, food technology, and sustainability, with the ultimate goal of developing next-generation food packaging that supports a circular bioeconomy.

This Research Topic aims to address the urgent need for food packaging solutions that are both sustainable and highly functional, thereby reducing environmental impacts while maintaining food quality and safety. While substantial progress has been made in the development of biopolymers, ongoing challenges remain in meeting the mechanical, barrier, and stability requirements necessary for commercial food packaging applications. Additionally, the integration of nanostructured systems and active components into polymer matrices calls for a deeper understanding of their behavior and impact on packaged food products. By gathering interdisciplinary research on the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of nanostructured and biopolymer-based soft materials, this Research Topic seeks to promote novel strategies to improve biodegradability, bioactivity, and multifunctionality, accelerating the shift toward intelligent, sustainable food packaging.

To define the scope, this Research Topic covers innovative developments in soft nanostructured and biopolymer-based packaging materials and their applications in active and sustainable food packaging. We particularly welcome studies on:

- Biodegradable polymer blends and composites
- Incorporation of bioactive agents for enhanced food protection
- Surface modification for improved barrier or antimicrobial properties
- Modeling structure–function relationships in packaging materials
- Safety, migration, and environmental impact assessment of new packaging materials

Authors are encouraged to submit original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, or short communications. Interdisciplinary contributions—especially those combining materials science, nanotechnology, food chemistry, and environmental sustainability—are highly valued as they bridge knowledge gaps and foster innovative solutions for the future of food packaging.

Topic Editor Dr. Rafael Audino Zambelli is the co-founder of Innovacci Alimentos Inteligentes (register number: 41392001000106). The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

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Nanostructured and Biopolymer-based Soft Materials for Active and Sustainable Food Packaging