The use of renewable resources, which can reduce waste disposal problems, is being explored to produce
biopolymer films and coatings. Renewability, degradability, and edibility make such films particularly
suitable for food and nonfood packaging applications. Edible films and coatings play an important role in
the quality, safety, transportation, storage, and display of a wide range of fresh and processed foods. They
can diminish main alteration by avoiding moisture losses and decreasing adverse chemical reaction rates.
Also, they can prevent spoilage and microbial contamination of foods. Additionally, nanomaterials and
food additives, such as flavors, antimicrobials, antioxidants, and colors, can be incorporated into edible
films and coatings in order to extend their applications. Water-soluble hydrocolloids like polysaccharides
usually impart better mechanical properties to edible films and coatings than do hydrophobic substances.
They also are excellent barriers to oxygen and carbon dioxide. Recently, there has been much attention
on carrageenan and alginate as sources of film-forming materials. Thus, this review highlights production
and characteristics of these films.