Fresh fruits and vegetables are loved by everyone. We enjoy their taste, color, and health benefits. But after they are picked, they don’t last forever. Over time, they start to ripen, get soft, change color, and eventually spoil. One of the biggest reasons this happens is because of a natural gas called ethylene.

Luckily, there’s a smart way to slow down this process—ethylene absorbents. These small but powerful tools can help keep produce fresher for longer, whether it's during shipping, storage, or at the store.

What is Ethylene?

Ethylene (chemical formula C₂H₄) is a gas made naturally by fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It is sometimes called the “ripening hormone” because it speeds up the ripening process.

For example:

·         Bananas turn from green to yellow faster when ethylene builds up.

·         Tomatoes soften and turn red more quickly.

·         Flowers wilt sooner when exposed to ethylene.

Fruits like apples, avocados, kiwis, and mangos also release ethylene gas. Once a few fruits begin to ripen and release this gas, others nearby will start to ripen faster too. This is why a single overripe banana can make the rest of the bunch spoil quickly.

What is an Ethylene Absorbent?

An Ethylene Absorbent is a material that “soaks up” or removes ethylene gas from the air around fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The goal is to slow down ripening and reduce spoilage. These absorbents come in different forms such as:

·         Small sachets or packets placed inside produce boxes

·         Filters for cold rooms, shipping containers, or display areas

·         Sheets or wraps that protect fresh products directly

The most common ethylene absorbents contain potassium permanganate, activated carbon, or other compounds that react with ethylene gas and break it down safely.

Why Use Ethylene Absorbing Products?

Using ethylene absorbing products brings many benefits:

·         Longer Shelf Life: Fruits and vegetables last longer, which means less waste and better value for everyone.

·         Better Appearance: Slower ripening means produce stays firm, colorful, and fresh-looking for longer.

·         Reduced Spoilage: Less ethylene means less rot, wilting, or mold—especially important during long-distance shipping.

·         Cost Savings: Businesses save money by reducing losses and avoiding early product damage.

·         Customer Satisfaction: Consumers are happier when they get fresh, high-quality produce that lasts longer at home.

Who Uses Ethylene Absorbents?

Ethylene absorbing technology is used around the world by:

·         Farmers and growers to protect crops after harvest

·         Exporters and importers shipping produce across countries

·         Retail stores and supermarkets to keep fruits and vegetables fresh on the shelf

·         Flower shops to extend the life of bouquets and arrangements

·         Cold storage facilities to maintain quality over time

Even some home users now use small ethylene control sachets in their refrigerators to keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer.

Choose the Right Ethylene Absorbent

Not all absorbents are the same. The best products are:

·         Safe for use with food

·         Easy to use (just place and go)

·         Effective over several days or weeks

·         Environmentally friendly (some are reusable or recyclable)

Need to Control Ethylene?

In the fresh produce industry, ethylene-related losses cost billions of dollars every year. Even in households, waste is a serious issue. The average U.S. family throws away about 24 pounds of fruits and vegetables each month—much of it due to spoilage caused by ethylene gas.

Ethylene is a small molecule that travels easily. It can move through cardboard, wood, and even concrete walls. This makes it especially important to control ethylene levels in warehouses, cold rooms, transport containers, and retail displays. Companies like BioXTEND® are well-known for offering high-quality ethylene control products that are trusted worldwide.

Whether you are in the business of selling produce or just want to keep your fruits fresh at home, ethylene absorbing products are a great solution. Try them and enjoy longer-lasting freshness today!