Due to its porous structure and hygroscopicity, paper-based packaging materials are prone to microbial growth. The antibacterial coating technology can significantly enhance the protective performance of paper-based materials for interior products. The antibacterial mechanism of antibacterial agents and the application of paper-based packaging antibacterial coatings are systematically analyzed, with the focus on the characteristics and advantages of inorganic, natural and organic antibacterial agents. In order to further optimize the performance of the coating, the optimization strategies of immobilization technology, microencapsulation technology, multi-layer structure, and superhydrophobic antibacterial coating are elaborated from two aspects of the release mechanism of the coating and the coating structure. The combination of these technologies effectively improves the antibacterial effects, durability, and environmental adaptability of the coating. In addition, practical application cases of antibacterial paper-based packaging in food packaging and e-commerce packaging are demonstrated its superiority in practical applications. The future research directions of antibacterial coating paper-based materials should focus on the combination of resistance to persistence and multi-functionality, to promote their application in the packaging field.