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Chitosan (CS) films containing 0, 1, 3 and 5% (w/w) of polyphenol-rich rambutan peel extract (RPE) were developed. The micro-structural characterization and physical and functional properties of the films were determined. Results showed RPE formed strong interactions with CS, making film inner micro-structure become uniform and film crystallinity decline. Amongst different films, CS film containing 5% of RPE showed the lowest light transmission, moisture content (28.35%), water solubility (46.07%), water vapor permeability (8.41 × 10−10 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1) and oxygen permeability (0.28 cm3 mm m−2 day−1 atm−1). Meanwhile, CS film containing 5% of RPE exhibited the highest tensile strength (38.87 MPa) and elongation at break (51.73%) and the strongest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Finally, pork was wrapped with the films and stored at 4 °C for 8 days. Results showed pork wrapped with CS film containing 5% of RPE presented the lowest total volatile basic nitrogen level (9.17 mg/100 g), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance value (0.51 mg malondialdehyde/kg) and total viable count (4.53 log colony forming unit/g) and the best sensory attributes on the eighth day. Our results suggested the potential of CS film containing 5% of RPE as an active packaging material in pork preservation. • Active chitosan films were prepared by incorporating rambutan peel extract (RPE). • RPE made the films become compact and show decreased crystallinity. • RPE elevated the barrier ability and mechanical property of the films. • RPE enhanced the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the films. • CS-RPE films extended the shelf life of cold-stored pork to 8 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]