We sell a lot of raffia. Walking down the aisle in one of our warehouses, there is a large selection of color and multiple types. There is even the Wraphia II line of synthetically produced raffia. The other day, I was working in the warehouse. A customer brought me two different types of raffia and asked me the difference. See the pictures below: This is treated raffia: This is untreated raffia: Treated raffia has a glycerine like coating. This makes it feel and act more like a plastic twine. It can be knotted and twisted. Due to the coating, treated raffia can be pretty limp. It lacks the fullness and body that untreated raffia has. Untreated raffia feels much more woody. Without the coating, the raffia cannot be treated too roughly or it will crack and even break. It can still be shaped and wrapped around things. It just cannot be done with as much brute power. However, this lack of treatment provides it with more natural body. See our full line of Raffia, Jute, & Sinamay items. See other Tips of the Day. Hope this helps!