**7. Conclusions**

The objective of this review has been to summarize the main techniques for the application of bio-based coatings, differentiating between liquid and solid methods. Moreover, an in-depth literature search was necessary to evaluate some properties, which can be obtained starting from the dispersion of biomolecules within the coating itself. Chitosan/chitin, proteins and cutin were the main focus of this review paper, because of their complementary functional properties, antimicrobial, oxygen and water barrier, respectively. These properties are highly requested in novel functional bio-based coatings. Liquid and solid

bio-based coatings showed advantages and disadvantages, but they can provide high flexibility to industry as well as drive specific innovations in the market, thus satisfying the exigencies of more sustainable yet performant products, than fossil-based counterparts.

In conclusion, this paper evidenced that the world of bio-based coatings is constantly evolving and expanding; several sectors are looking for a bio-based solution to improve the properties of their substrates and a considerable technological step forward has been made in this field.

**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, M.-B.C. and P.C.; investigation, L.P. and V.G.; writing original draft preparation, V.G., L.P., M.-B.C. and P.C.; writing—review and editing, V.G., L.P., M.-B.C., P.C., A.S., S.C., I.C., A.H., S.D. and K.A.O.; supervision, A.L.; project administration, P.C.; funding acquisition, P.C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This research was funded by ECOFUNCO project, funded by Biobased Industries Joint Undertaking under the European Union Horizon 2020 research program (BBI-H2020): 837863.

**Institutional Review Board Statement:** Not applicable.

**Informed Consent Statement:** Not applicable.

**Acknowledgments:** Stefano Fiori of Condensia Quimica (Spain) is acknowledged for kind discussion.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.
