Molded pulp can be dyed into a range of natural, earthy colors using plant-based or mineral pigments—while still remaining biodegradable and compostable. Because molded pulp is made from natural fibers such as sugarcane bagasse and bamboo, its color palette is more organic than plastic or coated paper, but that’s also part of its appeal.
Below is a clear, practical overview of what colors are realistically achievable naturally and how brands use them.
These come directly from the fibers themselves, with no added pigments.
Natural off-white / ivory Clean, minimalist, premium look (often from bamboo fiber)
Light beige / cream Warm, neutral tone common with sugarcane bagasse
Natural brown / kraft Earthy, organic appearance that signals sustainability
These are the lowest-impact options and are often preferred by eco-focused brands.
Using eco-friendly dyes, molded pulp can be colored during the pulping stage. Common naturally achievable colors include:
Sand
Stone gray
Warm taupe
Clay brown
Light charcoal
Sage green
Olive green
Moss green
(Greens work especially well with bamboo-based pulp.)
Terracotta
Light rust
Soft peach
Muted ochre
Dusty blue
Soft slate blue
Pale gray-blue
These colors are subtle and matte, not bright or glossy.
Because molded pulp is biodegradable and uncoated, some colors are not practical or sustainable:
❌ Neon or fluorescent colors ❌ Pure white (without bleaching) ❌ Glossy or metallic finishes ❌ Very dark jet-black (without heavy pigments)
Achieving these would require chemical additives or coatings that compromise compostability.
Many luxury and sustainable brands intentionally choose restrained colors because they:
Emphasize material authenticity
Signal environmental responsibility
Match minimalist brand aesthetics
Age well and photograph beautifully
Reduce environmental impact
For example, HTAECO often recommends natural beige, warm gray, or soft earth tones for premium molded pulp packaging because these colors highlight the refined texture of sugarcane bagasse and bamboo fiber.
Because molded pulp uses natural fibers:
Slight shade variation between batches is normal
Fiber source and water quality can affect tone
Thicker parts may appear slightly darker
Professional manufacturers control this through:
precise pigment dosing
fiber selection
process consistency
✔ Choose earthy, muted tones ✔ Match color to brand positioning ✔ Request physical samples, not photos ✔ Allow tolerance in color variation ✔ Avoid over-processing for sustainability
Molded pulp can be naturally dyed into a beautiful range of soft, organic colors—from off-white and beige to sage green, clay brown, and muted blue. While it won’t replicate the brightness of plastic, its natural palette is exactly what makes it appealing for eco-conscious and premium brands.
When designed thoughtfully, natural color molded pulp packaging delivers authentic sustainability, premium aesthetics, and strong brand storytelling—without compromising biodegradability.
