Chitosan-based Films with Beetroot Pulp and Banana Pseudostem Extracts for Active Food Packaging

• Chitosan films with BP and PS extracts show enhanced antioxidant functionality. • Films with extracts demonstrate potential for short-shelf-life food packaging. • Extracts incorporation improved the films solubility and biodegradability in water. • Valorisation of agricultural residues aligned with circular economy principles. The increasing demand for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based food packaging materials has driven the development of biodegradable and functional films. This study explores the formulation and characterization of chitosan (Ch)-based films incorporating enzymatically recovered extracts from beetroot pulp (BP) and banana plant pseudostem (PS), for active food packaging applications. The incorporation of these plant-based by-products significantly influenced the films’ physicochemical and functional properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the successful integration of BP and PS extracts into the Ch matrix. Optical characterization revealed increased opacity, especially in Ch+BP films, which might offer potential for light-sensitive food protection. Morphological analysis showed homogeneous, dense structures, indicating good compatibility between Ch and the incorporated extracts. The films hydrophilicity, full water solubility within 24 h, and low water vapor barrier, envisage their applicability in single-use short shelf-life packages of low moisture content products, as ready-to-drink instant coffee sachets or protein powder single-serve sachets. The antioxidant performance of the films was markedly enhanced, with 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities of 9.92 ± 1.30 and 7.00 ± 0.37 µmol Trolox/g film for Ch+BP and Ch+PS films, respectively, reinforcing their potential as active packaging materials. This is the first report on Ch films incorporating enzymatic BP and PS extracts, presenting an innovative, circular economy driven strategy for agro-industrial waste valorisation through sustainable, active food packaging solutions.