Advancing Sustainability Through Circular Economy, Emerging Technologies and Bibliometric Insights Towards Innovative Biodegradable Packaging for Dairy Products, Contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 9, 12, 13

The growing demand for sustainable solutions in the dairy industry has spurred advancements in biodegradable packaging to address environmental concerns, reduce food waste, and enhance product quality. Dairy products, characterized by their short shelf life and susceptibility to microbial contamination, present unique challenges that require innovative packaging strategies. This review explores the latest developments in biodegradable polymer films, such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and chitosan‐based materials, and their application in dairy product preservation. Emphasis is placed on valorization‐based packaging, where agro‐industrial and dairy by‐products like whey, casein, and fruit pomace are transformed into functional films with enhanced barrier, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The study also explores active and intelligent packaging technologies incorporating antimicrobial agents, natural extracts, and oxygen scavengers featuring freshness indicators, time–temperature indicators (TTIs), and radio‐frequency identification (RFID) technology. The integration of circular economy principles within the dairy packaging framework underscores the potential for resource efficiency and waste minimization. By adopting biodegradable materials and closed‐loop systems, the industry aligns with eco‐conscious consumer preferences while ensuring long‐term sustainability. Furthermore, the use of precision farming and AI‐driven frameworks enhances raw material quality, supply chain efficiency, and cold chain management, complementing advancements in sustainable packaging. A bibliometric analysis of 167 publications highlights key research trends, collaboration networks, and gaps in the field, offering insights into future directions for innovation. This review underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach, combining material science, nanotechnology, and sustainability practices, to optimize packaging solutions for the dairy industry. By addressing environmental, economic, and consumer demands, this review contributes to the development of resilient and eco‐friendly dairy packaging systems.