Why is most of the tablewear that is made out of renewable materials brown or white? Can’t it be more festive?

There are several things going on here, but I think it boils down to two main issues. First, compostable tablewear and packaging is still relatively new, and companies haven’t really targeted retail consumers as the main target. Most compostables are aimed at companies in the food service industry where design is a secondary concern. If it becomes clear that retail customers are interested in this offering, it is more likely that companies will take this on. (Let’s change this! I would love to have festive, genuinely compostable tablewear for celebrations!)

The second challenge is that the compost supply chain is complicated and easily contaminated with items that aren’t actually compostable. It is easiest for compost facilities to tell if the waste they receive is not contaminated if everything is generally a neutral color. If facility operators spot a neon pink plate in the middle of a massive load of feedstock waste, they might think that the supply is contaminated and cause them not to accept it (the vast majority of things that are truly compostable are never found in neon pink). The industry is still working on standards to improve these supply challenges. In the meantime, look for the BPI and/or CMA certification on any compostable tablewear products that you buy, and while they might not be the most eye-catching piece of your table arrangement, I have never heard of any child being heart-broken over a boring plate. Compensate with a pretty cloth tablecloth and/or tissue paper pom poms or other reusable decorations, and I would bet that no one notices.