Ethylene volatility pushes Catalytic Generators toward on-site supply

Rising volatility in global petrochemical and energy markets has heightened concerns among fresh-produce ripening operators about the reliability and cost of industrial ethylene supplies, according to Catalytic Generators.

The company said tightening supply conditions, particularly in parts of Asia, have exposed the vulnerability of ripening operations that rely on externally sourced ethylene produced primarily for large-scale petrochemical industries such as plastics and chemicals manufacturing.

“Fruit ripening requires a relatively small amount. This means that ripening operations rely on a supply chain driven by other industries, which can make them more vulnerable to disruption when market conditions shift,” Greg Akins, President & CEO of Catalytic Generators, explained.

The company said some ripening operators now reassess supply strategies as geopolitical tensions disrupt global energy and petrochemical markets. Catalytic Generators reported increased inquiries from Asian markets affected by recent supply constraints, particularly from operators seeking backup ethylene sources or alternatives to conventional cylinder systems.

Catalytic Generators' on-site generation gains traction

The company said interest has grown in on-site ethylene generation systems that allow operators to produce ethylene directly inside ripening rooms rather than depend entirely on outside suppliers.

The firm markets its Easy-Ripe generators, which use its Ethy-Gen II formulation to produce ethylene on demand. According to Catalytic Generators, the formulation is derived from renewable sources and allows operators to reduce exposure to supply disruptions and price swings tied to the industrial ethylene market.

The company said on-site generation can help operators maintain consistent ripening schedules for commodities such as bananas, avocados, and citrus, while improving planning certainty during periods of market instability.

Catalytic Generators, which has operated in the ethylene application sector for more than 50 years, said its systems include global technical support and are designed for relatively simple installation and operation.

“With ethylene playing a critical role in the ripening of fruits such as bananas, avocados, and citrus, ensuring consistent availability is essential. Increasingly, this means having solutions in place that allow operators to maintain control and reduce dependency on industrial ethylene,” Akins concluded.

*All images courtesy of Catalytic Generators. 

Related stories

Ethylene application made easy: Catalytic Generators is revolutionizing fruit ripening

Italy’s ripening market enters a new phase as Catalytic Generators targets expansion