A novel active bionanocomposite film incorporating rosemary essential oil and nanoclay into chitosan

► Preparing a functional bionanocomposite containing nanoclay and rosemary from chitosan. ► Studying combined effect of nanoparticle and essential oil on film properties. ► Decreasing water sensitivity of chitosan-based films with incorporating nanoclay and rosemary essential oil. ► Improving the mechanical properties of the films using nanoclay and the essential oil. ► Improving antibacterial and total phenol content of the nanocomposite using the essential oil.