A process for antibacterially finishing a polymeric substrate involving: (a) providing a polymeric substrate made from a compound selected from the group consisting of a polyolefin, a polyester, and combinations thereof; (b) providing an antibacterial finish composition containing: (i) from about 0.1 to 10% by weight of at least one monoester of glycerol and a C_6-14 fatty acid; and (ii) from about 0.01 to 10% by weight of chitosan, all weights being based on the weight of the composition; and (c) applying the composition onto the polymeric substrate.