Biodegradable materials have the characteristics of high-efficiency and environmental protection. They can solve the problem of environment pollution for overuse of petroleum-based packaging materials. The work aims to summarize the characteristics of biodegradable materials and their preparation technology to provide reference for their further application in fruit and vegetable packaging. Firstly, the existing biodegradable materials were classified. Secondly, the preparation methods of biodegradable materials were introduced. And then the application of biodegradable materials in fresh fruit and vegetable packaging and their impact on the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables in recent years were summarized and analyzed. Finally, the characteristics and application prospects of biodegradable materials were summarized, analyzed and prospected. Biodegradable materials had good properties, proper air permeability and moisture permeability, and high CO2/O2 selective permeability, which can greatly improve the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Compared with the existing fresh-keeping packaging materials, biodegradable materials have better fresh-keeping effect, high efficiency and environmental protection, and can reduce the environmental pollution caused by non-degradable materials.