In recent years, edible coatings and films have emerged as sustainable postharvest technologies to preserve the quality and freshness of fruits and vegetables and extend their shelf life, thereby reducing the use of conventional plastic packaging. These coatings are thin layers made from consumable materials that form a semi-permeable barrier on the surface of the food to prevent evaporation, transpiration, entrainment of volatiles, microbial contamination and oxidation. Recent developments include the use of certain functional bioactive products, such as plant extracts, antimicrobial agents and antioxidants, that aim to increase the efficiency of the preservative system and improve the safety of the food product. The characteristics of mechanical strength, barrier and controlled release functions are further enhanced through innovative approaches like nanostructured, multi-layered and composite coatings, which improve food safety and quality. Recent innovations have enabled the production of smart coating materials made of polysaccharides, proteins, lipids and composite biopolymer systems embedded with natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, essential oils (EOs) and nanomaterials. Active edible coatings assist in preserving colour, structure, nutritional content, sensory attributes and physicochemical quality during the storage period. Additionally, innovative technologies have been developed, such as nano-coatings, smart and bioactive films, which hold promise for enhancing postharvest management with enhanced functionality, sustainability and market potential and decreasing food losses. Overall, there is great potential for edible coatings as a future sustainable strategy towards food preservation and improving food security at global scales.