Traditionally, PE tarps are made by weaving tapes and then laminating them with a film.
Breathable Tarps: There is growing news about the development of "breathable" PE tarpaulins. These allow water vapor (condensation) to escape while still being waterproof. This is crucial for covering machinery or wood exports where rot under a standard tarp is a concern.
UV Stabilizers: Manufacturers are boasting longer lifespans, with high-end tarps now offering 5+ years of UV protection due to advanced masterbatch additives, moving away from the standard 1-2 year tarps.