Catalytic Generators
Catalytic Generators manufactures catalytic ethylene ripening systems for commercial produce ripeners, citrus degreeners, and tobacco curers, selling Ethy-Gen II concentrate alongside generator hardware globally through distributors and direct sales.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1970
- HeadquartersNorfolk, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Catalytic Generators does
Catalytic Generators, LLC is a privately-held manufacturer of catalytic ethylene generation systems for the fresh produce, citrus degreening, and tobacco curing industries, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. Founded around 1970 and operating for over 50 years, the company sells a paired hardware-plus-consumable platform: a portfolio of generator units that catalytically convert its proprietary Ethy-Gen II plant-derived concentrate into pure ethylene (C2H4) gas without byproducts or inert gas dilution.
The hardware lineup includes portable units (Easy-Ripe, Best-Cure), slim wall-mounted units (Auto-Ripe), a dedicated Citrus Degreening Generator, and the Centralized Ripening System (CRS), which delivers Ethy-Gen II from a single central pump through industrial tubing to individual room generators. The Ethy-Gen II concentrate is registered with the US EPA (#37433-1, 1978), the UK CRD (MAPP No: 15839, 2007), and the German BVL (2024); generators hold TÜV SÜD, CE, and UKCA certifications and are compliant with International Fire Code Section 2506.1.
The business model combines one-time equipment sales, equipment leases, recurring consumable revenue from Ethy-Gen II concentrate, and installation/service contracts (CRS deployments typically completed in 1-2 days). Distribution is global via a multi-continent distributor network, a direct-to-customer e-commerce storefront, and an internal sales team; the company is led by President & CEO Greg Akins and operates alongside its sister company QA Supplies (postharvest quality tools), with named enterprise customers including Walmart program partners, DiMare Fresh, Australian Produce Partners, Fruchtimport vanWylick, and Exp. Group.
Catalytic Generators firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Catalytic Generators
- Legal name
- Catalytic Generators, LLC
- Website
- https://catalyticgenerators.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1970
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Catalytic Generators manufactures catalytic ethylene ripening systems for commercial produce ripeners, citrus degreeners, and tobacco curers, selling Ethy-Gen II concentrate alongside generator hardware globally through distributors and direct sales.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Catalytic Generators industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Ethylene Ripening Systems
- NAICS
- All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing (325199)
- SIC
- Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860)
- akta.pro primary industry
- On-Site Gas Generation Systems (IMAEACAJ)
Keywords
Where Catalytic Generators is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Norfolk
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Catalytic Generators business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Ethylene Generators (Hardware): The company sells and leases ethylene generator equipment including Easy-Ripe, Auto-Ripe, Best-Cure, Citrus Generator, and Centralized Ripening System (CRS) models. Generators are available for purchase or lease.
- Ethy-Gen II Concentrate (Consumables): Recurring sales of Ethy-Gen II Ripening Concentrate, a plant-derived liquid that is catalytically converted into ethylene gas. Sold in various container sizes. Registered with US EPA and UK CRD. Clear packaging for inventory inspection.
- Generator Service & Support: The company offers generator service and maintenance support, including installation of CRS systems (typically 1-2 days). Extended warranties available on generators.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Equipment Purchase - Ethylene Generators |
| Subscription | Monthly | Equipment Lease |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Catalytic Generators product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Catalytic Generators manufactures and sells catalytic ethylene generation systems that convert its proprietary Ethy-Gen II plant-derived concentrate into pure ethylene gas for commercial fruit ripening, citrus degreening, and tobacco curing. Its product portfolio includes portable, wall-mounted, and centralized generator hardware along with consumable concentrate, supported by ethylene testing devices, postharvest equipment, installation, and maintenance services sold and leased globally.
Product overview
Catalytic Generators offers a portfolio of ethylene ripening systems centered around its proprietary Ethy-Gen II concentrate and catalytic generator hardware. The core product line includes Easy-Ripe (portable floor/wall unit), Auto-Ripe (wall-mounted narrow design), and Centralized Ripening System (CRS - piped network system) generators for fruit ripening, plus specialized Citrus and Best-Cure/Tobacco CRS generators for degreening and tobacco curing respectively. All generators convert Ethy-Gen II liquid concentrate into controlled ethylene gas without byproducts. The company also provides ethylene testing devices and postharvest equipment. Products are sold and distributed globally through a network of distributors, with installation and service support offered.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Ethy-Gen® II: Premium concentrate for safe, consistent ethylene application in commercial ripening rooms. Plant-derived ethylene precursor, EPA and CRD registered.
- Easy-Ripe®
- Auto-Ripe®
- Best-Cure®
- CRS® (Centralized Ripening System)
Products and services
- Ethy-Gen II Concentrate A plant-derived ethylene precursor concentrate that converts to pure ethylene gas through catalytic generators. Sustainably sourced, registered with US EPA (#37433-1) and UK CRD (MAPP 15839), and engineered for reliable performance and uniform results in commercial ripening rooms. Sold in multiple container sizes as a recurring consumable.
- Easy-Ripe Ethylene Generator
Quantifiable outcome
- Ethy-Gen II can cut up to 32 hours of tobacco curing time, reducing energy costs and allowing earlier re-use of curing systems
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Catalytic Generators
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Catalytic Generators technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Catalytic Generators partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- QA SuppliescoreQA Supplies is the sister company of Catalytic Generators, providing a complete line of postharvest quality management tools including digital refractometers, handheld penetrometers, firmness testers, temperature data loggers, pulp thermometers, CO2 and ethylene testing devices, produce knives, and smoke candles. Also offers calibration services. Both companies co-sponsor the annual Fruit Ripening and Quality Management Workshop.
- National Mango BoardcoreThe National Mango Board partnered with Catalytic Generators to explain how a mango ripening program may work. The NMB conducted in-store consumer tests showing consumer acceptance doubles from ~39% for unripe to ~87% for ripe mangoes. The partnership promotes proper mango ripening protocols and educational programs to increase consumption and sales.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Catalytic Generators competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Air Liquide: Industrial gas supplier offering compressed ethylene and gas-blending solutions for produce ripening rooms. Competes with Catalytic Generators through scale, financing options, and bundled gas-supply contracts at large enterprise accounts.
- Linde plc: Global industrial gas major that supplies compressed ethylene and turn-key gas ripening systems to large produce distributors. Represents the largest alternative supply model to Catalytic Generators' on-site catalytic approach, particularly for high-volume retail ripening contracts.
- Air Products: Industrial gas company providing ethylene and specialty gas mixtures for fruit ripening, particularly bananas. Represents an alternative supply path that large integrated produce operators may select over catalytic generators for cost or logistics reasons.
- Decco (UPL Postharvest): Postharvest coatings, fungicides, and ripening chemistry arm of UPL, serving citrus, pome fruit, and stone fruit customers. Competes with Catalytic Generators in degreening and broad postharvest treatment programs at large pack houses worldwide.
Direct peers
- Isolcell: Italian specialist in controlled atmosphere (CA) and ripening room technologies for fruit storage and ripening. Closely comparable to Catalytic Generators' CRS-equivalent room infrastructure for apples, pears, and tropical fruit.
- Storage Control Systems: Designs and manufactures ripening rooms and storage systems for bananas, tomatoes, avocados, and other produce. Competes with Catalytic Generators for the same commercial ripening customer base by supplying integrated ripening room infrastructure alongside gas-application equipment.
- AgroFresh Solutions: Global postharvest solutions provider whose 1-MCP based SmartFresh platform competes directly with catalytic ethylene generation for managing ripening and shelf life of bananas, apples, tomatoes, and other produce. Most direct competitor in fresh-produce ripening chemistry and equipment.
- Sinclair International Group: UK-based supplier of banana and tropical fruit ripening equipment and postharvest tools. Competes head-to-head with Catalytic Generators in European and tropical fruit ripening rooms, particularly for banana ripening programs.
Emerging players
- PEAK Fresh: Producer of modified atmosphere packaging and freshness solutions for fresh produce. Competes indirectly by extending shelf life and delaying ripening, potentially reducing demand for ethylene-based ripening systems on certain SKUs.
Others
- TransFRESH Corporation: Cold chain and ripening services provider for produce shippers, including Tectrol ethylene-based ripening systems. Adjacent competitor in managed-transport ripening solutions; complements rather than directly competes with room-installed catalytic generators.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Catalytic Generators social profiles
Digital presenceCatalytic Generators compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance8 records
Catalytic Generators financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Catalytic Generators leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Catalytic Generators funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Catalytic Generators M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Catalytic Generators
What does Catalytic Generators do?
Catalytic Generators manufactures and sells catalytic ethylene generation systems that convert its proprietary Ethy-Gen II plant-derived concentrate into pure ethylene gas for commercial fruit ripening, citrus degreening, and tobacco curing. Its product portfolio includes portable, wall-mounted, and centralized generator hardware along with consumable concentrate, supported by ethylene testing devices, postharvest equipment, installation, and maintenance services sold and leased globally.
Is Catalytic Generators a public or private company?
Catalytic Generators is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Catalytic Generators founded?
Catalytic Generators was founded in 1970. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Catalytic Generators based?
Catalytic Generators is headquartered in Norfolk, United States, in the North America region.
How does Catalytic Generators make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Ethylene Generators (Hardware) is the primary driver. The others are ethy-Gen II Concentrate (Consumables) and generator Service & Support.
Who are Catalytic Generators's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Air Liquide, Linde plc, Air Products and Decco (UPL Postharvest). Direct peers are Isolcell, Storage Control Systems, AgroFresh Solutions and Sinclair International Group. PEAK Fresh is listed as an emerging player. TransFRESH Corporation is listed as an others.
Does Catalytic Generators have an API?
No public API is recorded for Catalytic Generators.
What industry is Catalytic Generators in?
Catalytic Generators's product category is Ethylene Ripening Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEACAJ, On-Site Gas Generation Systems. Its NAICS code is 325199 and its SIC code is 2860.