The work aims to review the research on the application of nano-cellulose in degradable packaging materials. The latest researches on the nano-cellulose applied in the field of packaging at home and abroad were summarized. The preparation methods and characteristics of nano-cellulose were briefly discussed. The researches on the nano-cellulose applied in biomass film materials, biomass foaming materials, slow release antibacterial materials and paper, as well as the research progress of nano-cellulose functional materials applied in packaging were introduced in details. The safety of nano-cellulose applied in food packaging was discussed. Nano-cellulose was environment friendly with excellent properties and it could improve the mechanical and barrier properties of composites as an enhanced component of degradable packaging materials, and it also could endow the materials with special functions. Nano-cellulose has huge potentials to be applied in the field of packaging. Preparation of nano-cellulose with crops and their leftovers has wide development prospects.