The contamination by microorganisms represents one of the most important issues that involves many areas, such as food packaging, health care products, surgical equipments, medical aids, textiles, hospitals, water purification devices, etc. Materials with antimicrobial activity must be capable of inhibit pathogenic microorganisms and are generally utilized for soil and water sterilization, as antimicrobial agents, and also as food preservatives. Polymeric materials, composites and nanocomposites are the mostly used material in several technological areas. This is due to their versatility that makes them able to cover a very broad spectrum of properties, including drug delivery systems for targeted. Antimicrobial agents incorporated into polymeric systems are chemically stable and non volatile. Thus reduces losses inducted by volatilization, photolytic decomposition, transport phenomena. In addition, the use of antimicrobial polymeric manufactures is promising in enhancing the effectiveness of already used antimicrobial agents, by reducing the residual toxicity, and prolonging their lifetime. Very recently, a new class of silicates is drawing attention as fillers for polymers; it is represented by natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). Due to the tubular shape and reduced surface hydroxyl groups, halloysite can be readily dispersed in polymers. In addition, it is possible to use these tubes as containers for release specific active molecules in particular environments. In this contribution we aim to present several systems polymer-halloysite nanotubes loaded with active molecules for potential application in active packaging. The focus will be either on fossil based polymers (i.e. PET, PCL) or on innovative materials from renewable sources (i.e. pectins, zein). The preparation and analysis of physical, antimicrobial and release properties of active molecules will be analyzed and discussed.