Avocado seed-derived bioactive compounds for functional food packaging solutions: current developments and future prospects – a review

Growing environmental and food safety concerns have spurred interest in functional food packaging solutions using agricultural waste as sources of bioactive compounds that offer enhanced protection, shelf-life extension, and intelligent food monitoring. Among various agro-industrial byproducts, avocado seeds represent a promising yet underutilized resource. Avocado waste is rising with increased commercialization, utilizing the seed for value-added applications can help reduce this unrecyclable byproduct from the industry. Avocado seeds are rich bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and other phytochemicals. These avocado seed-derived bioactive compounds possess well documented antioxidant, antimicrobial, and pH-sensitive properties which can be harnessed to develop functional food packaging material. Moreover, use of avocado seed bioactive extracts provides a sustainable, cost-effective solution while reducing environmental impact. While the phytochemical profile and health benefits of avocado seed extracts are well-documented, their direct integration into food packaging materials remains underexplored, underscoring a critical research gap. The objective of this review is to examine current progress in the integration of avocado seed-derived bioactive compounds into food packaging systems, with emphasis on their functional roles and impact on film performance. By revising existing studies, identifying knowledge gaps and proposing future research opportunities, this review seeks to provide insights into the feasibility and advantages of using avocado seed extract in food packaging solutions, thereby supporting the broader objectives of minimizing environmental impact and advancing sustainability in the packaging industry.