Raffia paper shreds are not made from natural raffia plants. Instead, they are a biomimetic paper-based filler material made primarily from paper (such as copy paper or coated paper) through physical cutting, curling, and expansion processes.
Natural raffia: The natural fibers from the outer layer of the tender shoots of the raffia palm tree in Madagascar. It is breathable, biodegradable, and used in handicrafts or high-end packaging.
Raffia paper shreds: An artificial paper product that mimics the appearance and function of raffia, but does not contain plant fiber as the main component. It emphasizes environmental friendliness, low cost, and high plasticity.
Raffia paper, primarily made from rice straw and bamboo paper, is an important material in traditional Chinese painting. Rice straw paper (made from rice straw) is soft, breathable, and resistant to deformation; its natural texture enhances the depth of the image. Bamboo paper (made from fresh bamboo) is smooth, flat, elastic, and durable, making it suitable for detailed depiction. Both materials are approximately 0.1-0.3mm thick, and their rolled structure makes them easy to carry and use for sketching.
