Why RAW Uses Unbleached Hemp and Natural Fibres

If you have ever picked up a pack of RAW rolling papers and noticed their signature light brown colour, you have already seen one of the brand’s biggest differences. Unlike many white papers on the market, RAW uses unbleached hemp and natural plant fibres to create a paper that looks raw, feels authentic, and burns beautifully. But this choice is not just about appearance. There are genuine reasons why RAW avoids chemical bleaching and instead embraces natural materials. Understanding why this matters can help you appreciate the quality of your papers and make more informed choices about what you smoke.

The Origins of RAW’s Natural Philosophy

RAW launched with a simple mission: to create a more natural rolling paper that stays true to the essence of smoking. The founder, Josh Kesselman, saw that most rolling papers on the market were heavily processed and often treated with chemicals to make them whiter or smoother. These additives might make papers appear clean, but they also affect taste, burn rate, and even how the paper interacts with the contents.

From the beginning, RAW set out to produce papers that would preserve the flavour and integrity of the material inside. Instead of using harsh treatments, the brand developed a process based on pure plant fibres, water, and gentle refinement. This approach avoids bleaching agents like chlorine and maintains the paper’s natural colour and texture.

What “Unbleached” Actually Means

When you see the term “unbleached” on a pack of RAW papers, it simply means that the paper has not been treated with chemicals to remove its natural brown or tan hue. Ordinary papers are often bleached with chlorine or calcium carbonate to achieve a pure white finish. While this might look more refined, the bleaching process can leave behind trace chemical residues and alter the paper’s burn characteristics.

RAW’s unbleached papers skip this step entirely. The natural fibres retain their original tone and texture, resulting in that distinct light brown shade the brand is known for. This approach helps maintain the paper’s purity and reduces the chemical load introduced during manufacturing. The result is a product that burns cleanly, evenly, and with minimal interference to the taste of your roll.

Why RAW Uses Hemp

One of the most important materials in RAW’s production process is hemp. Hemp fibres are naturally long, strong, and flexible, which makes them ideal for rolling papers. They produce a paper that is thin yet resilient, providing a slow, even burn without tearing easily.

Hemp is also a highly sustainable crop. It grows quickly, requires little water, and needs no synthetic pesticides or herbicides to thrive. Because of this, hemp is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wood pulp, which is used in many other paper types. Hemp-based paper contributes to reducing deforestation and supports a more renewable supply chain.

For users, the biggest benefit of hemp papers is their smooth and balanced smoking experience. Hemp burns evenly and produces minimal ash, while the natural fibres allow for better airflow and a consistent draw. This helps deliver a satisfying smoke without the harshness sometimes associated with bleached or heavily processed papers.

The Benefits of Natural Fibres

RAW papers are made not only from hemp but also from a mix of unprocessed natural plant fibres. This blend provides the right balance of strength and flexibility, ensuring that the paper holds its shape during rolling while maintaining a slow, clean burn.

Using natural fibres means the paper is free from additives such as chalk, dyes, or artificial burn agents. These additives are often used in conventional papers to create a uniform appearance or adjust burning speed. By avoiding them, RAW papers retain a more authentic texture and taste. The absence of artificial agents also means the paper interacts more naturally with the burning material, producing less unwanted odour or chemical aftertaste.

For many smokers, the difference is immediately noticeable. The flavour is cleaner and more pronounced, allowing the qualities of the herbs or tobacco to come through. You taste what you have rolled, not the paper it is wrapped in.

Cleaner Taste and Improved Burn Quality

The unbleached and natural composition of RAW papers affects how they burn. Because there are no chemical additives, the papers ignite easily but burn steadily, producing minimal ash and an even glow. This not only enhances flavour but also provides a smoother draw from start to finish.

By contrast, some bleached papers can burn unevenly or too quickly due to the presence of chemical treatments that alter the fibre density. The absence of these agents in RAW papers allows the natural criss-cross watermark pattern to do its job, promoting a slow, uniform burn every time.

The taste difference is one of the most celebrated aspects of RAW papers. Many users describe the flavour as pure and unobtrusive, with no dryness or chalky aftertaste. Whether you use hemp or classic plant fibre versions, the result is a cleaner, more enjoyable smoking experience.

Health and Environmental Considerations

While no smoking product can ever be completely harmless, the materials used in rolling papers can make a difference in how clean the experience feels. Avoiding bleached papers helps limit exposure to residual chemicals that may be left behind from chlorine or similar whitening agents. RAW’s decision to keep its papers unprocessed aligns with a general move toward more natural and sustainable smoking alternatives.

On the environmental front, the use of hemp and renewable fibres reduces the industry’s dependence on deforestation and intensive manufacturing. Hemp’s ability to grow quickly and replenish soil makes it one of the most sustainable crops available. By choosing hemp-based papers, consumers indirectly support eco-conscious farming and cleaner production methods.

RAW also uses minimal packaging and ensures that its adhesive gum is made from pure, vegan-friendly tree sap. This attention to detail reinforces the brand’s broader commitment to sustainability, extending beyond just the paper itself to the entire production process.

The Visual Difference Between Bleached and Unbleached Papers

One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between RAW and ordinary papers is by sight. Bleached papers are bright white, smooth, and often slightly glossy. They have an artificial uniformity that comes from processing. RAW papers, on the other hand, have a natural tan shade with visible texture. The unbleached fibres create a more organic look and feel, giving each paper a slightly unique appearance.

This raw aesthetic has become part of the brand’s identity, symbolising authenticity and transparency. It serves as a visual reminder that the paper you are using is closer to nature, with fewer steps between plant and product. For many users, that connection adds to the enjoyment of the rolling ritual itself.

Comparing RAW to Conventional Papers

To understand why RAW’s choice of materials matters, it helps to compare them directly to ordinary papers. Conventional rolling papers made from bleached wood pulp tend to burn faster and produce more ash. They can also contribute a subtle taste that masks the natural flavour of the contents.

RAW’s hemp and unbleached fibre papers, by contrast, burn more evenly and slowly. The slower burn reduces waste and allows for a longer-lasting session. The lack of additives means you experience the genuine taste of your herbs or tobacco, unaltered by external influences.

Many users also find that RAW papers feel sturdier yet softer to the touch, making them easier to roll without tearing. This combination of texture, strength, and clean performance is part of what has earned RAW such a loyal following among smokers who value quality over appearance.

The Broader Impact of RAW’s Approach

RAW’s commitment to unbleached, natural fibres is more than just a marketing claim. It reflects a wider shift in consumer awareness about what goes into everyday products. Smokers are increasingly looking for transparency, purity, and ethical production across all areas of lifestyle. RAW’s materials and manufacturing choices align with these values, making them a preferred brand for conscious consumers.

By removing unnecessary chemicals from their process, RAW not only creates a better smoking experience but also helps lead the industry toward cleaner and more sustainable practices. Their model demonstrates that high-quality papers can be made responsibly, without compromising performance or taste.

Final Thoughts

RAW’s use of unbleached hemp and natural plant fibres is what truly sets the brand apart from ordinary rolling papers. By prioritising purity, sustainability, and taste, RAW has built a reputation for quality and integrity. Their papers burn evenly, enhance the natural flavour of what you smoke, and reduce exposure to unnecessary additives.

For smokers who value both performance and principle, RAW offers a product that reflects a thoughtful balance between craftsmanship and environmental care. The difference may be subtle to the eye, but it is unmistakable in experience. Choosing RAW means choosing a cleaner, more natural way to roll  one that respects both the product and the planet.