Bio­based products and innovative process technologies are receiving attention in food industry to reduce the dependence on fossil fuel and move to a sustainable materials basis. Biodegradable films are continuous matrices prepared from edible materials made up of proteins, polysaccharides and lipids.  Edible coatings are either applied to or made directly on foods while films are independent structures. A significant progress has been made in the development of biodegradable plastics, largely from renewable natural resources, to produce biodegradable materials with similar functionality to that of oil­based polymers. These natural films are preferred over non biodegradable films due to less carbon emission, less energy consumption, less landfill area and recycling ability. Incorporation of nano composites, essential oils, plant extracts, antimicrobial substances etc. improve functionality of bio degradable polymers based films in terms of protection against external factors and increase the food’s stability through antimicrobial properties and/or responding to environmental changes.

Keywords: Natural Polymers; Biodegradable Films; Essential Oils; Shelf Life.