Spleitex Synthetic Hemp

(2 products)

Spleitex rope from Prorope, also known as synthetic hemp or Hempex, combines the classic aesthetic of traditional hemp rope with the modern advantages of synthetic fibers. It offers the soft feel of natural hemp but does not absorb moisture like natural fibers do. This makes it rot-resistant and perfectly suited for outdoor use.

This versatile rope is ideal for various applications, including water sports, pioneering, and decorative outdoor projects. It is frequently used as a decorative barrier rope for garden posts or for applications in windmills. Compared to manila polypropylene, which has a harder and more artificial feel, Spleitex is softer and virtually indistinguishable from natural hemp. One notable difference, however, is the scent: Spleitex is completely odorless, whereas natural hemp has a distinct, characteristic aroma.

At Prorope, Spleitex is available both by the meter and in full coils of 220 meters. This allows you to choose between the exact length required or the lowest possible price per meter. All featured versions are available directly from our own stock.

The strongest rope with the look of hemp

Spleitex is 3-strand twisted splitfilm polypropylene in a warm beige natural colour — barely distinguishable from real hemp. But it does not rot, does not absorb water, is UV resistant and from our own tensile tester significantly stronger than natural hemp.

+49%Stronger than hemp (6 mm)

689 kgBreaking strength 8 mm

FloatsOn water

The strongest rope with the look of hemp

3-strand twisted · beige natural hemp look

Benefits and properties of Spleitex rope

High breaking strengthFrom our own tensile tests, Spleitex scores significantly higher than natural hemp at the same diameter and construction: 435 kg at 6 mm and 689 kg at 8 mm.

Rot and mildew freeThe polypropylene fibres do not absorb moisture. Where hemp rots and mildews, Spleitex retains its strength and appearance year after year — ideal for permanent outdoor installations.

UV resistant and colourfastMade from UV-stabilised polypropylene. The warm beige colour and strength are retained even after long-term exposure to sunlight.

Floats on waterSpecific gravity approx. 0.91 g/cm³, lower than water. Spleitex naturally floats and is salt and moisture resistant — practical as a marker line or decorative ship's rope.

Soft to handleCompared to manila PP, Spleitex feels remarkably soft. It does not splinter and is therefore pleasant and safe as a handrail, climbing or play rope.

Safe break behaviourSpleitex rarely snaps completely in one go — almost always one strand remains intact. After overloading, the fibres curl recognisably: a clear visual warning.

Our own tensile tester

Spleitex vs hemp — measured by us

All values come from our own 50 kN tensile tester, tested according to ISO 2307:2019. We compared Spleitex with twisted hemp rope at identical diameter and construction (3-strand twisted, without knot), so the figures are directly comparable. Each value is the average of five individual pulls.

Spleitex 6 mm · twisted PP

435kg

Hemp, same Ø: 291 kg
Stronger: +49%

3-strand twisted construction — determines the breaking strength

Spleitex rarely breaks completely

In our 6 mm series, at least one strand remained intact in four of the five pulls after the first strand failed. We saw the same at 8 mm. That residual capacity provides an extra safety margin in practice — the rope does not fail abruptly.

Fibres curl after overloading

A broken Spleitex looks clearly different: the fibres curl heavily around the break. This unique curl pattern is a visual warning that the rope has been heavily loaded. If you see this curling, replace the rope immediately.

Construction beats fibre

Counter-intuitive: a 6 mm hemp-look rope made with polyester fibre — the stronger fibre — actually broke lower (352 kg vs 435 kg, about 19% less). The cause was the looser, stretchier twist. With twisted rope, the construction often determines breaking strength more than the fibre type.

Fair note: variation at 8 mm

At 8 mm we saw greater variation (6.17 to 7.16 kN, about 16% difference). This is inherent to twisted splitfilm rope — that is why we work with averages across multiple pulls instead of a single measurement.

Source: internal Prorope test database (ropebreakingstrengthdata2026), measurements January–April 2026. Averages 6 mm: 4.27 kN · 8 mm: 6.76 kN. Figures that literally no one else has — from our own tensile tester.

Tensile test data 2026

Measured breaking strengths: Spleitex vs hemp

Diameter	Spleitex (twisted PP)	Hemp (twisted)	Strength difference
6 mm	435 kg (4.27 kN)	291 kg	+49%
8 mm	689 kg (6.76 kN)	442 kg	+56%

Tested at identical diameter and construction (3-strand twisted, without knot). Average of five pulls per value, 50 kN tensile tester, ISO 2307:2019.

Comparison

Spleitex vs natural hemp vs manila

The same classic look, but a big difference in weather resistance, strength and use. The breaking strengths of Spleitex and hemp come from our own tensile tester.

Property	Spleitex	Natural hemp	Manila
Breaking strength (6 mm)	435 kg (own test)	291 kg (own test)	~300 kg *
Rot resistant	Yes	No	Slower than hemp
UV resistant	Very good	Moderate	Moderate
Water absorption	Virtually zero	High	High
Floats on water	Yes	No	No
Scent	Odorless	Characteristic hemp scent	Characteristic manila scent
Appearance	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★☆
Best for	Outdoor, water, handrails, sports	Interior, garden, pioneering	Interior, handrails, dry use

* Manila at 6 mm has not yet been tested on our own tensile tester; this value is an indication based on the product class, not our own measurement.

Conclusion: choose Spleitex when you want the classic look of hemp, but use the rope outdoors, in contact with water, or need a longer lifespan and higher strength. Choose manila when the authentic scent is preferred and the rope will not structurally get wet.

Lengths & variants

One proven construction, multiple lengths

Spleitex is available at Prorope in one proven construction — 3-strand twisted splitfilm polypropylene in beige — but in multiple lengths, so you can choose exactly the right amount or the lowest price per metre.

By the metrefrom approx. €0.70/m

Custom ordered in any available diameter — exactly the amount you need.

Coil 55 or 110 metresstock coil

Handy stock coils for smaller projects.

Bale of 220 metreslowest price/m

The most economical option per metre for larger quantities and businesses.

All variants are delivered from our own stock. Unsure about diameter or length? Our rope specialists are happy to help.

Applications

Where Spleitex makes the difference

Garden & outdoor projects

The most popular rope for decorative outdoor projects: the look of hemp with the weather resistance of plastic.

Rope edging along garden paths and bordersRope for garden posts and wooden fencesDecorative rope for (wind)millsClimbing and plant supports in the garden

Watersports & marine

Because Spleitex floats and does not absorb water, it is practical for use on or near water.

Marker lines and barrier ropesDecorative ship's rope and nautical décorMooring lines for small boats (decorative)

Interior & handrails

Thanks to its softness and appearance, a much-used rope for handrails in homes and hospitality.

Handrails and balustrade infillRoom dividers in bars and restaurantsWall decoration and macramé-style applicationsNautical interior and cottage style

Sports & obstacle courses

Popular in the sports sector due to its high strength, hand-friendliness and weather resistance.

Obstacle run and survival run coursesClimbing frames and playground ropesRecreational tug-of-war competitions

Pioneering & scouting

The classic look and easy handling make Spleitex a popular choice in scouting.

Building structures (bridges, masts, nets)Lashing and hauling ropes for wooden polesGuy ropes and pioneering connections

Technical data

Technical specifications

Material Splitfilm polypropylene (PP)

Construction 3-strand twisted

Colour Beige (natural hemp look)

Specific gravity approx. 0.91 g/cm³ (floats on water)

Water absorption Virtually zero

Working temperature -20 °C to +80 °C

Melting point approx. 165 °C

UV resistance Good (UV stabilised)

Elongation at break approx. 18–22%

Breaking strength 6 mm 435 kg (own tensile test)

Breaking strength 8 mm 689 kg (own tensile test)

Sharp edges & pulleys

Not suitable for sharp metal edges or pulleys without protection — the softer fibres wear with repeated friction.

Friction heat

With strong friction heat, the relatively low melting point can be a limitation. In such cases choose polyester rope.

Curl pattern = overloaded

Do you see the characteristic curl pattern in the fibres? Then the rope has been overloaded — replace it immediately.

Related collections

Explore more at Prorope

Looking for more than Spleitex? Check out the related collections — from the natural hemp that inspired Spleitex to the stronger synthetic alternative for heavier applications.

Buy Spleitex rope at Prorope

Direct from our own stock

All ropes are available by the metre. Order before 1:00 PM on a working day and your order will be shipped the same day.

Ordered before 1:00 PM = shipped today

Available by the metre, from our own stock

Own tensile tester — measured breaking strengths, not marketing figures

Delivery to private customers, gardeners, watersports, scouting and businesses

Order Spleitex rope

We deliver to private customers, gardeners, watersports enthusiasts, scouting and businesses.

Need advice or a quote?

Our rope specialists are happy to help you with the right diameter, length or finish.
+31-77 208 6139 · info@prorope.com

Frequently asked questions

FAQ Spleitex rope

What is Spleitex rope?

Spleitex is a 3-strand twisted rope made of splitfilm polypropylene with the appearance of traditional hemp. It is also called synthetic hemp or Hempex. Because of the natural beige colour and soft structure it is barely distinguishable from real hemp — but it does not rot, does not shrink and is stronger.

What is the difference between Spleitex and natural hemp?

The biggest difference is weather resistance and strength. Spleitex does not absorb water, rot or mildew, while natural hemp will deteriorate outdoors over time. Our own tests also show that Spleitex is about 49% stronger at 6 mm (435 vs 291 kg). The only real downside: Spleitex is odourless, hemp has a characteristic earthy scent.

Is Spleitex rope UV resistant and suitable for outdoor use?

Yes. Spleitex is made from UV-stabilised polypropylene and withstands prolonged sunlight well. Colour and strength are retained for years, even with permanent outdoor mounting.

Does Spleitex rope float?

Yes. Polypropylene has a specific gravity of approximately 0.91 g/cm³, lower than water (1.0 g/cm³). Spleitex therefore naturally floats and is excellent for use on or near water.

Can Spleitex rope withstand salt water?

Yes. Polypropylene is chemically inert and is not affected by salt water, sea air or moisture. Spleitex is therefore suitable for maritime decoration and harbour installations.

What is the difference between Spleitex and manila polypropylene?

Both are made of polypropylene, but the structure differs. Spleitex uses splitfilm fibres that give a softer, fibrous hemp look. Manila PP has a harder, glossier and stiffer structure. Spleitex is softer on the hands and looks more authentic.

How much stronger is Spleitex than hemp?

At identical diameter and construction, our tensile tester measured 435 kg for Spleitex 6 mm versus 291 kg for twisted hemp (+49%), and 689 kg for Spleitex 8 mm versus 442 kg for hemp (+56%). So Spleitex is not only nicer for outdoor use, but also clearly stronger.

How do I recognise if my Spleitex is overloaded?

Spleitex has a unique visual indicator: after heavy loading the fibres curl heavily. A broken Spleitex therefore looks recognisably different from other snapped ropes. If you see this curling, replace the rope immediately.

Does Spleitex break completely in one go?

Rarely. In our pull series, in most pulls at least one strand remained intact after the first strand failed — the rope fails gradually rather than abruptly. That residual capacity gives an extra safety margin, but does not mean the rope is still safe to load after the first strand fails.

Is a polyester variant of Spleitex stronger?

No, in our case actually weaker. We tested a 6 mm hemp-look rope with polyester fibre; despite polyester being the stronger fibre, it broke at 352 kg versus 435 kg for PP Spleitex. The looser, stretchier twist of the polyester sample explains the difference — with twisted rope, the construction weighs more heavily than the fibre type.