How can you tell the difference between natural and synthetic raffia?

Natural raffia is a vegetable fiber derived from the leaves of a palm tree native to Madagascar. A real local treasure!

A 100% natural product

Raffia grows in the wild, in wet or marshy areas, away from pesticides and other harmful substances. Raffia fibers are harvested in an environmentally-friendly way, without interfering with palm tree growth.

A plant fiber with exceptional properties

This product of nature also has an undeniable advantage: it contains a natural resin whose properties increase its suppleness, flexibility and longevity. All these qualities make natural raffia an ideal material for creative work, thanks in particular to the crocheting technique, an ancestral know-how handed down from generation to generation in Madagascar!

A material conducive to creations in a variety of shapes and colors

The art of crocheting with natural raffia produces results that are more than satisfying for every creation, both aesthetically and in terms of sturdiness and durability. Indeed, in Malagasy craftsmanship, crocheting with raffia offers the possibility of varying stitches and meshes. As a result, your beach basket, handbag, evening clutch or hat in natural raffia will be adorned with a variety of decorative motifs. A fine example of the richness of this craft: our collection based on 100% natural raffia.

Moreover, dyeing with natural dyes guarantees a complete choice of colors for consumers wishing to incorporate this material into their wardrobes. From the sober color of dried natural raffia to the vibrant hues obtained once the plant fiber has been dyed, one of your favorite colors is bound to be found in this extensive palette! As proof, hats and bags in raffia from the IBELIV collection are available in the color of your choice: beige, brown, black, orange, blue, anise green, fuchsia, gray, etc.

Synthetic raffia is often used for manual hobby activities such as scrapbooking, but it's also replacing natural raffia in fashion accessories and decorative items labelled "raffia". Is this good news? Not really! It creates real confusion in the minds of consumers, who believe they're buying or giving a gift of a 100% natural product, when in fact the fashion accessory or decorative object they've just bought only imitates the appearance of natural raffia.

Synthetic raffia is made from plastics that imitate natural raffia. For example, PP raffia is made from polypropylene. Synthetic raffia is therefore derived from petrochemical products whose use is not without consequences. In the environment, plastic pollution is now recognized as a vector for the dispersion of toxic compounds that can accumulate in food chains.

Please note: there is also viscose raffia, not to be confused with natural raffia from the Madagascar palm. In fact, viscose raffia is derived from plant cellulose. The manufacture of viscose involves the use of a large quantity of chemicals. A semi-synthetic material that bears no resemblance to natural raffia!

At IBELIV, the bags, clutches and hats in our collection are made exclusively from raffia harvested in Madagascar. Our commitment to 100% natural raffia does not stem from a marketing strategy aimed at reaching consumers who are increasingly sensitive to environmental issues. Sustainability, ecology and ethics are at the heart of our manufacturing process!

Raffia: a robust, renewable and biodegradable fiber

Indeed, we know that natural raffia has an undeniable advantage over synthetic raffia: that of being a robust, renewable and biodegradable resource. We believe that there is an urgent need to encourage more environmentally responsible consumption, and that we have a major role to play in this. By opting for this natural fiber and educating consumers to avoid confusion with synthetic raffia, we're doing our bit.

Thanks to the robustness of natural raffia and the talent of Madagascan craftsmen, an IBELIV creation can last over time. There's no risk of seeing your favorite accessory quickly fade and join the fast-fashion waste stream, whose synthetic materials are polluting our environment more and more every day. Our customers can be sure of making a purchase that contributes to respect for the environment.

The raffia industry: fair, stable income for local craftsmen

In Madagascar, the raffia industry is a source of sustainable employment for the local population. IBELIV trains and employs Madagascan women to make the various creations available for sale and delivery in its online boutique. These women enjoy a rewarding profession, their talent and the exceptional quality of their creations now recognized beyond Madagascar's borders.

There's no doubt about it: choosing natural raffia over synthetic raffia has many benefits. Whether you're looking for a simple beach basket or a raffia clutch for an evening out, make an ethical and responsible choice by opting for a natural raffia accessory!

There's no doubt about it: handcrafted products made from natural raffia are a great alternative to mass-produced products made from other raw materials, and guarantee superior-quality accessories compared with straw creations!