Catalytic Generators starts 2026 with expansion focus and digital ripening plans

Catalytic Generators has entered 2026 after a year of steady business development across Europe, China, and Latin America. Meeting partners and customers at Fruit Logistica in Berlin, the company outlined where it plans to grow next — with Europe now taking a more central role in its commercial structure.

At the same time, work is under way on new digital tools aimed at giving ripening operators clearer oversight of ethylene application.

Growth led by wider international uptake

Sales of Catalytic Generators’ ethylene generators and Ethy-Gen® II concentrate increased through 2025, supported by stronger uptake in Europe and China and continued activity across Latin America.

President and CEO Greg Akins signalled that customer discussions are evolving. Rather than focusing only on installation, ripening operators are placing more weight on system dependability, traceability, and day-to-day operational control — areas where the company is concentrating product development.

In Europe, market movement is becoming more visible. More ripening sites are testing alternative ethylene delivery systems, with some already moving into full commercial use.

Regulatory steps forward in Europe

Regulatory progress also marked the year. Approval for avocado ripening was secured in the Netherlands, while registrations for additional crops are advancing across other EU countries.

Akins indicated that working within Europe’s regulatory framework requires long-term commitment but plays a defining role in market credibility. The company is collaborating with an EU task force on the re-registration of ethylene as a recognised plant protection product while continuing national approval procedures.

This process, he suggested, supports confidence in both safety and application consistency for ripening operators worldwide.

Europe becoming a structural growth pillar

For Catalytic Generators, Europe is not only a sales destination but also a performance benchmark.

Akins views the region’s strict compliance environment as a driver for higher technical standards — from application precision to operational safety. Meeting these requirements reinforces trust among European ripeners while strengthening the company’s positioning in other regulated markets.

Digital monitoring platform in development

Technology rollout is the next phase. In the fourth quarter of 2026, Catalytic Generators plans to introduce a cloud-connected platform linking its generators to a secure online interface. Operators will be able to track application cycles in real time, monitor concentrate levels, receive alerts in case of interruption, and adjust generators remotely.

Integration with ripening room control systems is also planned to help maintain stable ethylene levels throughout application.

Akins noted that the aim is to reduce uncertainty during the most critical ripening windows and provide operators with clearer operational visibility.

Continuing focus on simplified ripening

With more than five decades dedicated exclusively to ethylene application, Catalytic Generators continues to build its model around making ripening processes easier to manage.

As 2026 progresses, the company’s direction combines geographic expansion, deeper European positioning, and practical digital tools designed to support consistent fruit quality across global supply chains.

To learn more about Catalytic Generators’ ripening solutions or discuss your facility’s needs, get in touch with us today.