Functional bioplastic packaging was produced from thermoplastic starch (TPS) with nitrite (1-5%) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) (PBAT/TPS at 30/70 and 40/60) via blown-film extrusion. TPS-nitrite interaction increased thermal destabilization and decreased α-relaxation temperature of TPS phase, indicating improved plasticization and disruption of starch granules. Nitrite modified C=O bonding of PBAT and improved compatibility with TPS networks, resulting in compact microstructures that reduced oxygen and water vapor permeability. Films containing nitrite showed up to 39.7% decrease (p≤0.05) in mechanical properties while effectively improving and stabilizing redness of vacuum-packaged pork during storage for 12 days. Nitrite release led to up to 0.66 ppm residual nitrite, which corresponded to formation of nitrosyl myoglobin (3.4-9.6 ppm), and effectively reduced total viable count, lactic acid bacteria and yeast and molds (p≤0.05). Stabilized lipid components also increased with increasing nitrite. Novel nitrite-containing biodegradable film enhanced functional properties and retained quality of packaged meat.