 Plastics remain the material of choice for many industries, but once their intended purpose is served, a large portion ends up in the environment, persisting for centuries. The packaging industry is the largest consumer of synthetic plastics derived from fossil fuels, while food packaging plastics account for the bulk of plastic waste polluting the environment. Given the finite nature of petroleum reserves, there is a need for the development of alternative materials that can serve the same purpose as conventional plastics. This paper reviews the function of packaging materials and highlights the potential of adopting green materials such as polylactic acid, PLA, blended with agricultural waste and natural fillers, or green composites made from African fibers and fillers. This article was authored by Lenany Koketson Kup, Albert Yuchinayud, Enoch Nifisogonuya, and others.