Abstract This study presents the development of a novel eco-friendly biodegradable films based on cationized potato-peel starch incorporated with broccoli-derived bioactive compounds extracted using deep eutectic solvents (DES). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Water vapor (WVTR) and oxygen permeabilities (OTR) were used to fully characterize the prepared edible films. The effect of adding broccoli extract to starch films was evaluated as bioactive compounds through antioxidant and antimicrobial examination. Addition of broccoli extract to modified starch films improves resistance, moisture and gas transmission and mechanical properties. FTIR and DSC techniques confirmed extra amorphous and heterogeneous structure of the composite as a result of successive addition of broccoli extract into the cationic potato-peel starch. SEM images revealed that increasing the percentage of the incorporated broccoli into cationic potato-peel starch resulted in a more amorphous surface structure which facilitated the printability of the film and its quality. The developed films improved mechanical flexibility (E%), reduced WVTR and OTR with 28%, 20%, 34% respectively, alongside enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The overall migration tests were conducted according to EN 1186-5 and EN 1186-4 with range from 0.1 to 1.3 dm3. These tests confirmed the fully compliance of the tested material with European food contact safety requirements. These findings will highly empower the development of new packaging materials with extended shelf life and eco-friendly nature as edible packaging flexible films.