1. Plastic: Plastic's versatility, affordability, and practicality have made it an essential food and beverage packaging material. Different types of plastics are used in food and beverage packaging, each with other properties, production processes, and impacts on human health and the environment. About 70% of plastic production is made from seven major plastic polymers.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are commonly used plastics that offer various properties such as durability, protection, and transparency. However, there is concern about the impact of plastic packaging on the environment and human health, which has led to the search for alternative and sustainable packaging solutions.

2. Glass: Glass is often recommended as a packaging material due to its reusability, recyclability and reaction neutrality. Glass containers were first discovered around 4000 BC and were used to preserve food, protect it from contamination, and preserve its taste. It preserves food and beverages for a long time and prevents contamination. For example, beer is stored in dark glass bottles to prevent spoilage, and glass packaging uses interactive design to attract consumers. Alcoholic beverage packaging is the most extensive global glass container market application. The growing use of glass packaging in food and medical packaging is a major market driver. Glass packaging features such as long-term storage, endless recycling, and reusability are the major factors expected to drive the glass packaging market during the forecast period. Regarding glass packaging, innovative design and advanced technology are key factors. Glass containers are also an environmentally friendly packaging solution that plays an essential role in reducing harmful greenhouse gases from food waste that ends up in landfills.

3. Metal: Metal packaging, including aluminium and steel cans, provides excellent protection from light, oxygen, and moisture, ensuring the integrity of perishable products. Cardboard boxes are commonly used in food and beverage products and offer durability, tamper resistance, and recycling. Aluminium is lightweight and easily recyclable, making it a sustainable choice for manufacturers and consumers. Other types of metal containers include tin-free steel, polymer-coated steel, and stainless steel. Disadvantages include global warming from carbon dioxide emissions from the metal manufacturing industry, leaching out toxic chemicals from containers into food, and depletion of natural resources.

4. Paper and Cardboard: Paper and cardboard packaging is becoming increasingly popular as aneco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging. These packaging materials provide simple, cost-effective solutions, from juice and milk containers to corrugated packaging, while reducing environmental impact. Lightweight, cost-effective solutions from juice and milk packaging to corrugated packaging while reducing environmental impact. Ordinary paper is unsuitable for food use due to poor barrier characteristics, sealing, and strength. Therefore, it is infused with additives or coated with aluminium or plastic to improve its functional properties. Developing paper-based coatings and laminates improves barrier properties, increases shelf life, and maintains product quality. The use of paper and paper packaging for food packaging is increasing day by day in the form of primary and secondary packaging, but the harmful effects on health and the environment cannot be ignored. Recycled paper and cardboard do not meet the requirements for direct contact with food packaging due to the process and additives such as mineral oil and phthalates; they migrate from recycled paper to food products.

5. Biodegradable and Compostable Materials: Biodegradable food packaging materials made from renewable biological materials have emerged as a viable alternative to address the challenges associated with conventional plastic packaging. In response to growing environmental awareness, the food and beverage industry increasingly turns to biodegradable and compostable packaging derived from renewable sources, such as plant-based polymers, bioplastics, and biodegradable films. These materials offer similar functionality to traditional plastics while reducing pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. Biodegradable food packaging provides many benefits, including sustainability, carbon neutrality, better waste management, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. However, biopolymers also have some limitations, such as low moisture content and gas impermeability, low thermal stability, poor mechanical strength, and high cost compared to traditional plastics. To improve the properties of biopolymers, intensive research is being conducted on new processing technologies, the addition of nanomaterials, the synthesis of antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and the synthesis of polymers.

6. Hybrid and Innovative Materials: Innovation continues to develop hybrid and new packaging materials designed to meet industry needs. These include bioplastics, edible packaging, and active packaging systems with characteristics such as antimicrobial properties and oxygen absorption that further improve product safety and shelf life.

Conclusion: As consumer preferences shift towards sustainable development and environmentally conscious choices, the food and beverage industry is adopting more environmentally friendly packaging solutions. From reducing plastic waste to promoting recycling and resource efficiency, the search for environmentally friendly packaging materials remains a cornerstone of industrial innovation. By filling the variety of packaging materials available, manufacturers can meet regulatory requirements and increase consumer trust and loyalty in a rapidly growing market.