PO film offers 95% light transmission and a permanent anti-drip coating that doesn't wash off in six months. If you’re growing high-value crops like medicinal cannabis, indeterminate tomatoes, or berries, the yield boost from PO film often pays for the material price difference in the very first harvest.
Polyolefin (PO) film is the ultimate high-yield investment for professional, long-term operations, while Polyethylene (PE) remains the go-to for budget-conscious seasonal tunnels.
At HONREL AGRICULTURE, we’ve seen growers transition from standard plastic to advanced Greenhouse PO Film and never look back. Why? Because PO film offers 95% light transmission and a permanent anti-drip coating that doesn’t wash off in six months. If you’re growing high-value crops like medicinal cannabis, indeterminate tomatoes, or berries, the yield boost from PO film often pays for the material price difference in the very first harvest.
In this guide, we’re going to break down the cold, hard technical data so you can make an informed decision for your wholesale or commercial farm needs.
Before we dive into the “why,” let’s look at the “what.” This table summarizes the core differences we see in laboratory testing and real-world field performance.
| Technical Feature | Standard PE Greenhouse Film | Advanced PO Greenhouse Film | Impact on Your Crop |
| Light Transmission | 82% – 88% | 92% – 95% | Higher PAR = Faster growth |
| Anti-Drip Mechanism | Migration Additives (Surfactants) | External Nano-Coating | PO is permanent; PE is temporary |
| Anti-Drip Lifespan | 3 – 6 Months | 3 – 5+ Years | Drastically reduces fungal disease |
| Tensile Strength | 18 – 22 MPa | 25 – 35+ MPa | PO handles extreme wind/snow |
| Anti-Dust Property | High static; attracts dust | Anti-static surface | PO stays cleaner for longer |
| Service Life | 1 – 3 Seasons | 5+ Years | Less labor for replacements |
| Initial Cost | Baseline (Economy) | 30% – 50% Higher | PE is better for short-term budget |
Source: Data compiled from internal HONREL Lab tests and ISHS comparative field studies.
We have a saying in the industry: “1% more light equals 1% more yield.” While that’s a simplification, it’s remarkably accurate for light-hungry crops.
Standard PE films typically offer around 85%–88% light transmission when new. However, as the film ages, the “migratory” additives (the soapy substances that provide anti-drip effects) move to the surface, creating a hazy film that attracts dust.
In contrast, our Greenhouse Film made of Polyolefin (PO) starts at a massive 95% transmission rate. Because it uses a nano-coating instead of migratory additives, it stays clear for years. According to UMass Extension, maintaining high light levels is the single most important factor in winter crop production when solar radiation is naturally low.
Not all light is created equal. PO films are excellent at light diffusion. Instead of the sun hitting just the top of the plant canopy (causing “hot spots”), diffused light scatters, reaching the middle and bottom leaves. This ensures that even the fruit hidden deep in the foliage gets the energy it needs to ripen evenly.
If you see raindrops dripping onto your head from the top of the greenhouse, then you have encountered a condensation problem. For tomatoes and peppers, those drips are a death sentence—they lead to Botrytis cinerea (Gray Mold) and powdery mildew.
As an Agricultural PE Film Manufacturer, we can tell you that standard PE uses surfactants mixed into the plastic resin. These substances “migrate” to the surface to reduce water tension. The problem? Once they’ve all surfaced and been washed away by rain or condensation, the anti-drip effect is gone. Usually, this happens within 3 to 6 months.
Premium PO film doesn’t rely on migration. We apply a hydrophilic nano-coating directly to the inner surface of the film. This coating is chemically bonded to the plastic. Instead of forming beads (which drip), the water forms a thin, continuous sheet that runs down the roof into the gutters. This effect lasts as long as the film itself—often up to 5 years.
The Gradient RuleNo matter which film you choose, your roof needs a slope. We recommend a minimum of 15 to 20 degrees. Without a proper gradient, gravity can’t pull the water sheet down the film, and you’ll get dripping even with the best PO coating.
When a storm hits, you want to know your investment is safe. This is where the “Metallocene” resins in PO films shine.
PE films are somewhat “brittle” compared to PO. In technical terms, PO has a higher Tensile Strength (measured in MPa). This means it can stretch further and absorb more wind force before it snaps. If you’re in a region prone to high winds or heavy snow, the extra cost of PO is actually “insurance” against a catastrophic collapse.
As a Greenhouse Films Wholesale supplier, we often see that the labor cost of replacing a film is almost as much as the film itself.
By choosing PO, you are effectively cutting your labor costs for film replacement in half over a ten-year period.
We don’t always recommend the most expensive film. It depends on your climate and your crops.
If you are in a cold, northern region, PO is essential. Why? Because of its superior Thermic Effect. Most PO films include IR (Infrared) additives that trap long-wave radiation (heat) inside the greenhouse at night. This keeps the greenhouse 2°C to 4°C warmer than the outside air, significantly reducing your heating bills during the winter months.
If you are growing in a high-humidity environment (like a coastal area), the permanent anti-drip of PO is non-negotiable. The risk of losing a crop to mold is simply too high with standard PE.
Whether you’re using our standard PE or our premium PO, your installation technique determines the lifespan of the plastic.
The Tension Rule
Install your film on a calm day when the temperature is between 15°C and 25°C. If it’s too cold, the film will expand and sag when it gets hot. If it’s too hot, you’ll overstretch it. A properly tensioned film should not “flap” in the wind. Fluttering causes friction against the frame, which generates heat and “cooks” the plastic, leading to early failure.
Frame Protection
Always use white water-soluble paint or foam tape on the metal pipes where they touch the film. Dark metal can reach 60°C in the sun, which degrades the UV stabilizers in the plastic. Keeping the contact points cool can add a year to your film’s life.
A: Standard plastic might, but high-quality PO uses premium UV inhibitors (like BASF Tinuvin). Our PO films are engineered to remain clear for at least 5 years without significant oxidation or yellowing.
A: It’s a more complex manufacturing process. It involves 5-layer co-extrusion and a secondary “spraying” or coating process for the anti-drip layer. You are paying for the technology that makes the film last longer and perform better.
A: This is critical. Bees need UV light to navigate. Most PO and PE films have a “UV-Block” to protect the plastic. If you use bees, you must specify “UV-Open” film. If you don’t, your bees will become lethargic and won’t pollinate your crop.
A: Sulfur is the enemy of greenhouse film. It breaks down UV stabilizers. If you use sulfur, you need a film with Anti-Sulfur additives. Even then, we recommend minimal sulfur use to protect the integrity of the plastic.
A: Absolutely. In fact, hydroponic systems often have very high evaporation rates, making the permanent anti-drip of a Greenhouse PO Film even more vital.
At HONREL AGRICULTURE, we believe in providing solutions, not just products.
Don’t let a few cents per square meter be the reason you lose thousands of dollars in crop yield. Invest in the best, and your harvest will prove it.
Selecting the right Greenhouse Film or shade mesh is critical for crop success. As a dedicated Agricultural Netting and Film Manufacturer, our experts help you customize UV protection and light transmission based on your local climate. Share your project details for a tailored solution.
