Ethylene supply uncertainty pushes ripening operators to seek more control

Pressure on global petrochemical and energy markets is raising fresh concerns over the stability of industrial ethylene supplies, prompting ripening businesses to look more closely at how they secure the gas needed for fruit treatment.

Ethylene used in conventional cylinder-based ripening systems is produced through petrochemical processes from oil and natural gas. However, fruit ripening accounts for only a small share of global demand. Most ethylene is directed towards major industrial sectors such as plastics and chemicals, leaving produce operators exposed to supply shifts driven by much larger markets.

That imbalance is becoming harder to ignore. Geopolitical tensions, energy market disruption and tighter availability in some regions, particularly parts of Asia, are contributing to greater price volatility and uncertainty around supply. For ripening companies, any interruption can create operational problems, as ethylene must be available at the right moment to maintain treatment schedules and consistent results.

Greg Akins, President and CEO of Catalytic Generators, said that fruit ripening depends on an ethylene supply chain largely shaped by petrochemical demand rather than produce industry needs. This, he noted, can make ripening operations more vulnerable when market conditions become unstable.

On-site generation gains attention

Against this backdrop, operators are reassessing whether to continue relying entirely on externally sourced industrial ethylene or to introduce a more controlled supply model.

Catalytic Generators says interest is growing in on-site ethylene production, especially in markets where cylinder systems remain common. According to Akins, some users are exploring alternatives to improve supply security, while others are considering a second ethylene source alongside their existing setup. The company has recently seen enquiries from Asian markets affected by tighter supply conditions.

On-site generation allows operators to produce pure ethylene directly inside the ripening room, rather than depending fully on outside deliveries. Catalytic Generators’ Easy-Ripe® systems use Ethy-Gen® II, a formulation derived from renewable and sustainable sources, to generate ethylene on demand.

The company positions this approach as a way to reduce exposure to external disruptions, improve planning certainty and ensure gas is available precisely when fruit is ready for treatment. This is especially relevant for products such as bananas, avocados and citrus, where reliable ethylene application is central to the ripening process.

Akins said the priority for operators is increasingly about maintaining control over ethylene availability and reducing dependence on industrial supply chains that may not prioritise the needs of the fresh produce sector.

About Catalytic Generators

Catalytic Generators, based in Norfolk, Virginia, has worked in ethylene application for more than 50 years. The family-owned company supplies ripening systems to fresh produce businesses, grocery distribution centres and growers worldwide, with a focus on safe, consistent and predictable ethylene delivery.

To learn more about on-site ethylene generation and supply options for ripening operations, send your inquiry today.