Recent Progress of Carrageenan-Based Composite Films in Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Applications Carrageenan, a hydrophilic polysaccharide extracted from red algae, has gained attention for its excellent film-forming properties and potential in food packaging. While pure carrageenan has limitations in mechanical, barrier, and functional properties, blending it with functional compounds and nanofillers can enhance its performance. Carrageenan-based films can extend shelf life and monitor spoilage, making them useful for active and intelligent packaging. Recent research highlights the potential of carrageenan as an alternative to synthetic plastics, with studies showing its effectiveness in improving food safety and sustainability. Carrageenan-based films are produced using solvent casting and can be modified with additives like plasticizers, crosslinkers, and bioactive ingredients to enhance their properties. These modifications improve mechanical strength, barrier properties, thermal stability, UV resistance, and antioxidant activity. Studies have shown that incorporating nanoparticles, essential oils, and other bioactive compounds can significantly enhance the functional properties of carrageenan films. Carrageenan-based films have been tested for their ability to extend the shelf life of foods like meat, fish, and bananas, and to monitor freshness through color-changing indicators. Despite challenges such as high hydrophilicity and cost, carrageenan-based films show promise as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. Further research is needed to optimize their production and application in real-time food packaging.Recent Progress of Carrageenan-Based Composite Films in Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Applications Carrageenan, a hydrophilic polysaccharide extracted from red algae, has gained attention for its excellent film-forming properties and potential in food packaging. While pure carrageenan has limitations in mechanical, barrier, and functional properties, blending it with functional compounds and nanofillers can enhance its performance. Carrageenan-based films can extend shelf life and monitor spoilage, making them useful for active and intelligent packaging. Recent research highlights the potential of carrageenan as an alternative to synthetic plastics, with studies showing its effectiveness in improving food safety and sustainability. Carrageenan-based films are produced using solvent casting and can be modified with additives like plasticizers, crosslinkers, and bioactive ingredients to enhance their properties. These modifications improve mechanical strength, barrier properties, thermal stability, UV resistance, and antioxidant activity. Studies have shown that incorporating nanoparticles, essential oils, and other bioactive compounds can significantly enhance the functional properties of carrageenan films. Carrageenan-based films have been tested for their ability to extend the shelf life of foods like meat, fish, and bananas, and to monitor freshness through color-changing indicators. Despite challenges such as high hydrophilicity and cost, carrageenan-based films show promise as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. Further research is needed to optimize their production and application in real-time food packaging.