<p>Petroleum-based plastics have long been central to the development of food packaging. However, their widespread use has raised environmental and health concerns, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. Among emerging solutions, plant-based residues, produced in large quantities as byproducts of agro-industrial processes, are an underused yet promising source of biomacromolecules for eco-friendly packaging materials. The valorization of these residues supports global efforts toward a circular economy and zero-waste goals. This review offers a detailed overview of plant-derived residues, including fruit peels, cereal husks, forestry byproducts, oilseed cakes, and leaves, as renewable resources for extracting functional biomacromolecules suitable for food packaging. It also discusses current challenges in material processing, scalability, performance improvements, commercialization pathways, and end-of-life issues, such as biodegradability and regulatory compliance. The outcome emphasizes the potential of plant residues as sustainable, functional, and cost-effective resources for developing next-generation food packaging solutions.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>