Functional packaging films originating from hemicelluloses laurate by direct transesterification in ionic liquid

•Hemicelluloses laurate (LHs) was successfully synthesized by transesterification.•Ionic liquid [Emim]OAc was applied as dual functional solvent and activating agent.•Internal plasticized films were obtained from LHs by direct solvent casting method.•Films showed good mechanical strength, oxygen barrier activity and hydrophobicity.•Films were promising at packing green chillies, which could extend their shelf life.