The work aims to introduce the research progress of preparing composite film by CMC and starch, sodium alginate, gelatin, nanocellulose, chitosan and other materials at home and abroad and the latest research progress of such food packaging composite film with antibacterial properties, so as to provide certain ideas and basis for the research of carboxymethyl cellulose composite film. The improvement of carboxymethyl cellulose composite film performance by the optimum addition amount of different materials was summarized in this research direction and the enhancement of antibacterial properties of some composite films after addition of different organic or inorganic antibacterial agents and the preservation effect on some food were also concluded. The carboxymethyl cellulose composite film has a great application potential. Some of the added materials have antibacterial activity and this type of composite film has certain application value in food preservation.