Catalytic Generators: Over five decades providing safe and efficient fruit ripening solutions

Virginia-based Catalytic Generators is a family-owned company with over 52 years of experience providing the fresh fruit industry with the tools needed to ripen produce. 

The company is the creator of the world’s first ethylene generator, making the once dangerous process of applying ethylene to crops safe and easy. Whether an avocado, a banana, a lemon, or a tomato, Catalytic Generators’ ethylene application enables fruit handlers to kickstart produce’s natural ripening and de-greening processes in a controlled manner. 

The company’s growth, says Greg Akins, President and CEO of Catalytic Generators, can be attributed to its core principle: “We treat others the way we would like to be treated.”

“We operate across the globe, ship direct to many customers, and have an extensive network of qualified distributors in many countries that provide quick supply and service,” he told FreshFruitPortal.com. “We will do whatever it takes to help, whether that’s picking up the phone or getting on an airplane.”

How has ethylene application changed for the better?

50 years ago, the only way to apply ethylene was via compressed ethylene. This was a dangerous way to ripen, as the system could release an explosive amount into a ripening room. Plus, personnel had to carefully handle these compressed products to prevent injury. 

When we created the world’s first ethylene generator, fruit ripeners had a safe and easy method for applying ethylene.

What are some of the benefits of using a catalytic generator instead of the older fruit ripening practices?

Reliability, simplicity, and safety. Also, purity. Compressed ethylene systems now must severely dilute their ethylene for safety reasons. 

Our system produces almost pure ethylene and cannot reach explosive levels. This makes for better ethylene at better costs.

How has the company’s generator changed in the last five years?

Most of it is “behind the scenes” as it is firmware and internal component improvements. These all improve the reliability and ethylene production. However, about five years ago, we added the ability to remotely regulate the generator’s ethylene production via a ripening room control system. 

It’s not all about the generator. The machine needs the correct, authorized liquid to properly and safely create ethylene. 

Our Ethy-Gen® II Concentrate is approved and registered for fruit ripening and degreening by many regulatory authorities. Through diligent and strenuous testing of the ingredients and emissions of our products, we continue to add these approvals for Ethy-Gen® II where required.

What are the latest generator’s most interesting features?

Ethylene application should be the simplest and easiest part of ripening—reliable, repeatable, and efficient. 

With that said, we are always looking for ways to enhance a customer’s experience with our equipment. The remote management of the machines is one way. We have staff dedicated to evolving technologies, and if there’s something that we can do to improve the application, but keep it simple, affordable, and effective, we’ll do it.

Have we seen an increase in sales worldwide? 

Yes, certainly. After starting in the US, we’ve been in the UK, Canada, and the Middle East for over 40 years, leading those markets in ethylene for fruit ripening. About 15 years ago, we started exporting to Australia and helped many fresh produce companies and retailers there. 

Brazil is now a large market for us, too, after introducing our systems there about 10 years ago. 

We do business on all continents, and now with a growing list of European authorizations for Ethy-Gen® II Concentrate, we are steadily adding customers.

Any new goals, technologies, or partnerships on the horizon?

We work with several ripening room design & build companies, and help to integrate our systems into theirs. 

We also partner with sensor technology companies, looking for the optimum way to measure ethylene when it comes to ripening or degreening. Our goal, as mentioned, continues to be to make ethylene the easiest part of the challenging ripening process.

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