Natural Ethylene Gas Absorber Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4), Zeolite, Active Carbon, Pumice), By Applications Covered (Fruit and Vegetable Warehouse, Supermarket, Fruit and Vegetable Processing Plant, Flower Shop, Home), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Natural Ethylene Gas Absorber Market Size

The Natural Ethylene Gas Absorber Market size was valued at USD 0.25 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 0.26 Billion in 2025 to USD 0.43 Billion by 2033, registering a steady growth rate of 6.3% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033. The market is gaining momentum due to rising demand for shelf-life extension, sustainable packaging, and food waste reduction solutions across the globe. 

The U.S. natural ethylene gas absorber market accounts for approximately 23% of global demand, driven by strong cold chain infrastructure, advanced retail networks, and increasing adoption in supermarkets and home food storage applications.

Key Findings

• Market Size: Valued at 0.26Bn in 2025, expected to reach 0.43Bn by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.3%.
• Growth Drivers: Demand up by 68%, spoilage reduction by 45%, supermarket integration at 60%, cold storage use at 50%, food waste reduction by 42%.
• Trends: Organic segment growth by 33%, smart absorber use up 36%, reusable variants rise by 40%, e-commerce usage up 58%, sustainable packaging up 47%.
• Key Players: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical, BioXTEND, Bee Chems, Its Fresh, Environ Care Products LLP
• Regional Insights: Asia-Pacific holds 42%, North America 27%, Europe 22%, supermarket use in UAE up 46%, floriculture adoption in Africa up 32%.
• Challenges: Efficiency drop in humidity by 18%, synthetic alternatives hold 40%, certification costs rise 20%, cost barriers for 32%, awareness gap at 38%.
• Industry Impact: Home adoption up 25%, spoilage reduced 36% in flowers, supply chain integration up 35%, absorption efficiency improved by 22%, retail use up 55%.
• Recent Developments: Capacity expanded 50%, adoption up 42%, spoilage cut 36%, real-time monitoring up 45%, saturation indicators boost inventory by 33%.

The natural ethylene gas absorber market is expanding due to rising demand for longer shelf-life of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Ethylene gas accelerates ripening, causing 35% faster spoilage in perishable goods. Natural ethylene gas absorbers reduce spoilage by nearly 45%, making them essential in cold storage and transportation. Over 50% of food supply chains now implement ethylene control solutions. Adoption of materials like activated carbon and zeolite offers eco-friendly options. With nearly 60% of consumers preferring preservative-free produce, the market is gaining strong traction. Demand is significantly rising in agriculture, food processing, and retail storage sectors.

Natural Ethylene Gas Absorber Market Trends 

The natural ethylene gas absorber market is experiencing strong growth, driven by a surge in organic food consumption and increasing demand for sustainable storage solutions. Nearly 70% of fruits and vegetables are lost due to ethylene-induced ripening, pushing industries to adopt natural ethylene absorbers. The use of eco-friendly absorbers has grown by 42% over the last five years. Among these, activated carbon and zeolite-based solutions hold over 55% market share due to their high absorption efficiency.

Food distributors and logistics companies are increasingly integrating natural ethylene gas absorbers, with usage rising by 38% in refrigerated transport. The packaging industry has witnessed a 30% increase in the adoption of ethylene-absorbing sachets and films. In retail environments, around 48% of supermarkets use natural ethylene absorbers to maintain fruit and vegetable freshness. Asia Pacific dominates with 46% of total market share, driven by growing fresh produce exports. North America follows with a 28% share, supported by strong retail infrastructure. Europe contributes 22%, with rising adoption in high-value produce storage. The demand from flower storage and export sectors is also up by 33%, as ethylene control is crucial in preserving floral freshness. These trends indicate a growing shift towards natural, sustainable ethylene gas control technologies.

Natural Ethylene Gas Absorber Market Dynamics

OPPORTUNITY

Integration into E-Commerce and Cold Chain Logistics

The booming e-commerce grocery segment presents a significant opportunity, with online produce orders increasing by 58% in the past three years. To meet quality expectations, nearly 62% of retailers now require ethylene control during last-mile delivery. The expansion of cold chain logistics, growing at 40% in high-demand regions, also supports the integration of natural ethylene gas absorbers. Moreover, the emergence of biodegradable and reusable absorber variants has increased interest by 33% among eco-conscious brands. Tapping into these logistics and sustainability trends can expand market presence and drive wider adoption in online food retail and transportation networks.

DRIVERS

Rising Demand for Fresh Produce and Shelf-Life Extension

The global increase in fresh produce consumption is a major growth driver for the natural ethylene gas absorber market. Around 68% of urban consumers prefer fresh fruits and vegetables, increasing the need for ethylene control solutions. Natural ethylene gas absorbers can reduce spoilage by up to 45%, ensuring better shelf life during transport and storage. Moreover, nearly 60% of supermarkets now integrate ethylene absorbers into their supply chains to maintain freshness. With 40% of food waste attributed to early ripening, the adoption of natural ethylene gas absorbers offers a practical, sustainable preservation solution across multiple industries.

RESTRAINT

"High Cost and Limited Accessibility in Developing Markets"

One key restraint in the natural ethylene gas absorber market is the high cost of materials like activated carbon and zeolite, which increases product prices by 25%. This cost barrier makes adoption difficult for 32% of small-scale producers and vendors. Additionally, 38% of users in developing regions report limited access to reliable distribution networks for ethylene absorbers. The need for specific storage and handling conditions further raises operational costs. These financial and logistical limitations restrict market penetration, particularly among small and medium enterprises aiming to implement cost-efficient post-harvest loss solutions.

CHALLENGE

"Product Performance Variability and Competition"

Performance inconsistency in extreme temperatures and humidity presents a key challenge for natural ethylene gas absorbers. Under fluctuating conditions, up to 18% of units show reduced efficacy, impacting overall produce freshness. Additionally, synthetic alternatives like 1-MCP control 40% of the market due to longer-lasting effects, creating intense competition. Around 27% of users report switching from natural absorbers to synthetic solutions for cost and performance benefits. Furthermore, compliance with varying food safety regulations across regions raises certification costs by 20%, slowing down global expansion efforts and creating barriers for smaller manufacturers seeking to scale.

Segmentation Analysis

The natural ethylene gas absorber market is segmented by type and application, each playing a crucial role in determining product preference and market demand. By type, potassium permanganate, zeolite, activated carbon, and pumice are widely used for their unique ethylene absorption capabilities. Each type contributes differently, with potassium permanganate accounting for 35%, zeolite for 25%, activated carbon for 20%, and pumice for 10% of the total share. By application, usage varies across fruit and vegetable warehouses, supermarkets, processing plants, flower shops, and households. Warehouses represent 34% of demand, supermarkets 28%, processing plants 18%, flower shops 12%, and homes 8%.

By Type

• Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4): Potassium permanganate holds the largest share, contributing 35% to the natural ethylene gas absorber market. Its strong oxidative properties make it highly effective in removing ethylene gas from closed environments, particularly in storage warehouses and transport units. Around 50% of commercial cold storage facilities use KMnO4-based absorbers due to their capacity to neutralize ethylene at high concentrations. These absorbers are typically packed in sachets or filters and need regular replacement, leading to repeat purchases in 45% of long-term storage applications.
• Zeolite: Zeolite contributes approximately 25% to the overall market share. Its high surface area and microporous structure enable efficient ethylene adsorption without chemical reactions. Nearly 60% of users in the organic produce sector prefer zeolite due to its non-toxic nature and reusability. Additionally, zeolite is used in environments where chemical-based absorbers are restricted, such as organic food facilities. Its application is expanding across Europe and North America, accounting for 33% of ethylene absorber usage in organic certification-compliant storage centers.
• Activated Carbon: Activated carbon represents 20% of the market, used mainly in packaging and retail displays. Its vast surface area allows for rapid ethylene absorption, particularly in humid environments where other materials underperform. About 55% of supermarkets in urban areas rely on activated carbon filters in display units to maintain produce quality. These absorbers are also integrated into packaging films and inserts, making them suitable for direct-to-consumer delivery models, which have increased in use by 48% over the past two years.
• Pumice: Pumice, with a 10% market share, is an emerging material in eco-conscious ethylene gas absorption. Its natural, porous nature makes it appealing in sustainability-driven markets. Pumice is often blended with essential oils or natural compounds to boost ethylene absorption rates by 18%. Usage is primarily seen in household applications and small flower shops, accounting for 60% of pumice absorber sales. Although less efficient than other types, its biodegradable profile appeals to 30% of environmentally focused end-users.

By Application

• Fruit and Vegetable Warehouse: Fruit and vegetable warehouses account for 34% of application-based usage. Ethylene gas absorbers help reduce spoilage by 42%, extending product shelf life during bulk storage. Around 68% of exporters use absorbers to maintain quality during storage before shipment.
• Supermarket: Supermarkets contribute 28% to application demand. Approximately 60% of supermarkets utilize sachets or filters in display coolers to retain freshness, as ethylene exposure can cause a 38% reduction in shelf life.
• Fruit and Vegetable Processing Plant: Processing plants represent 18% of market use. Nearly 48% of fresh-cut produce facilities use ethylene absorbers to slow degradation during slicing, packing, and transport processes, enhancing product stability.
• Flower Shop: Flower shops account for 12% of absorber use. With floral spoilage rates reduced by 36% through ethylene removal, approximately 70% of high-end florists rely on absorber packets in refrigerated units.
• Home: Home use comprises 8% of applications. With rising awareness of food waste, 25% of households now adopt refrigerator-compatible ethylene gas absorbers, often in the form of reusable sachets or eco-friendly inserts.

Regional Outlook

The regional outlook for the natural ethylene gas absorber market highlights strong performance in Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe, with emerging growth in the Middle East & Africa. Asia-Pacific leads with a 42% share, driven by fresh produce exports and local consumption. North America follows with 27% share, supported by organized retail and cold chain logistics. Europe contributes 22%, benefiting from strict food safety regulations and sustainability goals. Middle East & Africa currently holds 9% market share but is witnessing rapid growth due to urbanization and food import needs. Regional differences in storage practices and climatic conditions shape product preferences.

North America

North America holds 27% of the natural ethylene gas absorber market, driven by advanced logistics infrastructure and strong demand for fresh food. Nearly 64% of supermarkets use ethylene control systems to extend shelf life. Cold chain logistics adoption exceeds 70% across the United States and Canada, supporting the need for high-efficiency absorbers. Around 40% of retailers in this region use activated carbon and zeolite absorbers. Increased home usage is also notable, with 22% of households using ethylene-absorbing solutions to reduce food waste. Regulatory focus on reducing post-harvest losses boosts usage in food packaging and retail segments.

Europe

Europe contributes 22% to the market, supported by sustainability goals and organic food regulations. Over 55% of produce suppliers in Western Europe rely on natural ethylene gas absorbers to meet EU standards for freshness and waste reduction. Zeolite-based absorbers are especially popular, accounting for 34% of usage in organic produce storage. Supermarkets and local grocers represent 48% of the region’s application share, with a growing trend toward biodegradable absorber options. Additionally, packaging innovation in France, Germany, and the Netherlands has led to a 29% rise in the integration of absorbers into food containers and shipping crates.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates the market with 42% share due to high fruit and vegetable production and exports. China and India account for 65% of the region’s demand, especially in large-scale warehouses and export hubs. Nearly 60% of exporters use potassium permanganate-based absorbers during long-haul shipments. Supermarkets in Japan and South Korea increasingly use activated carbon-based ethylene absorbers, with retail integration rising by 40%. Demand from floriculture markets in Thailand and Vietnam has grown by 35%, with flower shops and export facilities adopting cost-effective absorber solutions to preserve shelf life and minimize losses during peak demand seasons.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa currently holds a 9% market share, with expanding adoption due to increased fresh food imports and retail modernization. Around 46% of supermarket chains in the UAE and Saudi Arabia use ethylene absorbers to preserve imported produce. Temperature-sensitive logistics growth has driven 28% of storage providers to adopt potassium permanganate filters. In Africa, post-harvest loss rates are as high as 40%, prompting increased government support for ethylene control in agriculture. Adoption in floriculture exports from Kenya and Ethiopia has also grown by 32%, as ethylene absorbers help extend flower shelf life for overseas shipping.

List of Key Company Profiles

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the natural ethylene gas absorber market have intensified due to the increasing demand for sustainable food preservation technologies. In 2023, over 32% of fresh produce logistics firms allocated capital toward upgrading ethylene removal systems. Venture capital investment in startups focused on biodegradable absorber materials grew by 41%, with most funding directed toward innovations in zeolite and activated carbon applications. Strategic partnerships between absorber manufacturers and retail chains have increased by 35%, enhancing supply chain integration.

Asia-Pacific, particularly India and China, attracted 38% of total global investment in this segment, focusing on commercial greenhouse integration and export infrastructure. Europe accounted for 26% of recent investments, emphasizing regulatory-compliant, compostable absorber packaging. North America saw 21% investment activity, mainly targeting retail-based storage innovations and e-commerce produce packaging. Private equity firms have also entered the market, with a 44% rise in M&A activity involving ethylene absorber producers, signaling consolidation and technology sharing. Additionally, 33% of government-backed agricultural grants across developing regions supported post-harvest loss prevention solutions that include ethylene control. These capital flows reflect strong investor confidence in scalable, eco-conscious, and high-ROI absorber technologies for commercial food handling, retail, and consumer-facing applications.

NEW PRODUCTS Development

The natural ethylene gas absorber market has seen a surge in product innovation, with over 29% of manufacturers launching new products between 2023 and early 2024. These innovations focus on improving absorption efficiency, extending shelf life, and offering biodegradable packaging options. Zeolite-based reusable filters were introduced by several key players, delivering 22% higher ethylene adsorption capacity under high-humidity conditions.

Bee Chems launched a compostable sachet using a clay-zeolite hybrid that reduces ethylene levels by 47% in closed environments. Meanwhile, BioXTEND introduced activated carbon liners for crates and cartons that enhanced freshness in transported fruits by up to 38%. Environ Care Products LLP rolled out home-friendly ethylene absorber pouches that are compact, non-toxic, and reusable for up to 90 days, targeting growing residential demand.Sekisui Jushi Corp developed a smart-absorber variant with embedded indicators that visually signal ethylene saturation levels, improving inventory control by 33%. Additionally, over 40% of newly developed absorbers are compatible with recyclable or biodegradable packaging formats, aligning with sustainability goals in Europe and North America. These innovations are reshaping the market by offering versatile, eco-conscious solutions suited for warehouses, retailers, flower shops, and households.

Recent Developments 

• BioXTEND (2024): Introduced a new activated carbon-based wrap for banana and mango exports, which led to 36% reduction in post-transport spoilage across Southeast Asia.
• Its Fresh (2023): Launched a line of plant-based ethylene absorber sachets, achieving 42% adoption among European organic food chains within the first 6 months.
• Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (2023): Partnered with a Japanese logistics firm to install absorber-integrated storage systems, reducing ethylene levels by 49% in refrigerated containers.
• AgraCo Technologies (2024): Released a smart filter with IoT connectivity that reports ethylene concentration levels in real time, increasing monitoring efficiency by 45%.
• Bee Chems (2023): Expanded its production capacity by 50% to meet rising demand in the Middle East and Africa, focusing on cost-effective potassium permanganate absorber sachets.

REPORT COVERAGE

The natural ethylene gas absorber market report provides comprehensive analysis across key segments including product types, applications, regions, competitive landscape, and innovation trends. The report tracks over 25 major companies, detailing their market shares, product launches, and strategic collaborations. Coverage includes segment-wise breakdown by absorber types—potassium permanganate, zeolite, activated carbon, and pumice—with market share insights such as 35% dominance by KMnO4 and 25% by zeolite.

Application analysis covers usage in warehouses (34%), supermarkets (28%), flower shops, processing plants, and homes, highlighting shifting demand patterns. The report also includes detailed regional analysis showing Asia-Pacific’s 42% market leadership, followed by North America and Europe. Recent technological advancements are documented, such as smart absorbers with visual indicators and biodegradable variants with 40% higher user preference. Investment patterns, government initiatives, and regulatory impacts are explored in depth, noting 33% of subsidies targeting post-harvest solutions in emerging markets. Additionally, the report provides strategic insights into growth opportunities, challenges, and restraints affecting product adoption globally. This robust coverage helps stakeholders understand market trends, optimize investment, and develop data-driven strategies for long-term success.