Sustainable utilization of date palm byproducts: Bioactive potential and multifunctional applications in food and packaging

Fruit processing of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) produces substantial byproducts. A variety of bioactive compounds exist in these byproduct streams, such as seeds, pomace, leaves, and pollen, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols, and phytoestrogens. The present review describes the sensory properties, nutritional profiles, and bioactive components of these byproducts, demonstrating their potential as functional foods, nutraceuticals, and active packaging. Emphasizing sustainable practices, this review examines both traditional and innovative extraction methods, prioritizing eco-friendly techniques that preserve bioactivity and align with sustainable goals. This review also addresses the safety, cytotoxicity, and regulatory aspects crucial for food applications. The use of biopolymers derived from date byproducts presents promising sustainable alternatives for food packaging, potentially improving food preservation and extending shelf life. This review explores how byproducts from date palms can enhance food chemistry, bioprocessing, and materials science within the context of sustainable food practices.