RAW vs OCB Rolling Papers: Which Brand Is Better?
A clear UK guide to RAW vs OCB rolling papers, how the two leading UK premium brands compare on quality, price and product range.
RAW dominates the unbleached natural market. OCB leads on premium white and rice papers.
Both are top tier UK premium brands but focus on different segments. RAW is built around unbleached natural fibre papers, mostly hemp based, with a strong brand identity. OCB offers a broader range including rice papers, organic hemp and traditional white papers. Prices are similar at around 1.20 to 2 pounds per 50 paper pack. The choice often comes down to personal preference and which range suits your style.
RAW vs OCB is one of the biggest brand questions in UK rolling. Both have loyal followings. Both deliver premium quality. The choice often comes down to specific product preferences rather than overall brand superiority. Knowing what each brand does best helps you pick the right papers for your specific needs.
Key brand identities
Four areas where the brands differ. The grid below covers each.
RAW brand identity
Founded in 2005 around unbleached natural papers. Distinctive light brown colour. Strong UK retail presence.
✓ Natural focusOCB brand identity
Older French brand dating to 1822. Wide range from basic to ultra premium. Multiple paper materials.
✓ Heritage rangeMaterial focus
RAW focuses on hemp blends and unbleached. OCB offers rice, hemp and traditional white across their range.
✓ Different specialtiesProduct range
RAW has fewer paper lines but extensive accessories. OCB has wider paper lines with more variation.
✓ Range vs depthDirect product comparison
The table below covers comparable products across both brands.
| Category | RAW vs OCB |
|---|---|
| Standard premium paper | RAW Classic vs OCB Premium White |
| Ultra thin paper | RAW Black (13 GSM) vs OCB Premium (14 GSM) |
| Organic hemp paper | RAW Organic Hemp vs OCB Organic Hemp |
| Pre-rolled cones | RAW Cones vs OCB Cones |
| Single wide papers | RAW Single Wide vs OCB Single Wide |
| King size papers | RAW King Size vs OCB King Size |
Quality assessment
Both brands deliver premium quality consistently. UK rolling paper specialists rate both at the top tier alongside Smoking. The actual differences are subtle. RAW papers have slightly more distinctive natural taste from the unbleached process. OCB papers tend to be smoother and more refined feeling. RAW papers tear slightly less often in handling. OCB papers stick more reliably with the gum strip. Both produce comparable smoking experiences when rolled correctly. The choice is more about preference than objective quality.
RAW is owned by HBI International which also handles the brand's accessories. OCB is part of the Bollore Group, a large French industrial conglomerate. The brand ownership affects product strategy. RAW prioritises lifestyle brand building and ancillary products. OCB focuses more on paper variety and product line depth. UK retailers stock both brands extensively. Specialist UK shops carry the full range from each. Supermarkets typically stock basic ranges from each.
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Shop NowHow to choose between the brands
The checklist below covers what UK shop staff most often recommend.
RAW vs OCB choice checklist
Use four or more of these to pick the right brand for you.
- Pick RAW if unbleached and natural matters most
- Pick OCB if you want broader product range and rice paper options
- Pick RAW for the strongest UK retail availability
- Pick OCB for the most consistent gum strip performance
- Try both at the same size and material to compare directly
- Match brand to your overall rolling style and preferences
Which brand is more popular in the UK
RAW has higher overall UK market share at the premium end driven by stronger brand recognition and lifestyle marketing. OCB has been longer established but has lower UK profile despite quality being comparable. Both brands are growing as UK premium rolling paper demand increases. RAW dominates the unbleached segment with no real competitor at scale. OCB competes more broadly across paper types but does not have any single category dominance like RAW does with unbleached.
Both brands have extensive UK ranges, and the full Vaprr rolling papers collection stocks the complete RAW and OCB lines including premium papers, pre-rolled cones and accessories.
Brand choice ties into wider questions about which brands offer the best UK options, which our our guide on best rolling paper brands UK covers, plus our article on what are unbleached rolling papers explains the rice vs hemp material choice that affects both brands.
Frequently asked questions
Is RAW or OCB better?
Neither is objectively better. Both are top tier. RAW leads on unbleached, OCB has wider range.
Are RAW papers always unbleached?
Yes. Every RAW paper is unbleached. That is the brand identity.
Which brand is cheaper in the UK?
Similar pricing. Both typically 1.20 to 2 pounds per 50 paper pack.
Which brand has more UK retail presence?
RAW has slightly stronger UK supermarket and convenience store presence.
Do RAW and OCB have similar sized ranges?
OCB has broader range. RAW has fewer paper lines but extensive accessories.
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