Definitely is burlap as far as material goes. Would have preferred a burlap-looking runner that was more soft fabric lending to better quality.

Mine does have a terrible smell, maybe from plastic, and is currently hanging on my deck hoping for the smell to dissipate.

When shaken, it sheds a lot and burlap fringe flies everywhere - so don't shake.

What I like, is that it is wide so it can cover stains on my wooden table