Abstract
Globally, food security and safety have become a major challenge. Researchers are searching for natural components to develop biologically active packaging materials. In this regard, a combination of essential oils (EOs) and chitosan and its derivative-based substrate has been evaluated extensively. The current review assimilates the mechanisms of biological activity of the EOs and chitosan that help develop active packaging materials. Thorough information on the development strategies for developing such active packaging materials has also been discussed herein. Lastly, the applications of the EO and chitosan and its derivative-based packaging materials have also been discussed in detail.