Ethylene Absorber Packets

epax packets are single-use ethylene gas absorbers made with naturally occurring zeolites, designed to keep fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers fresher during storage and shipping. Ethylene is the gas plants produce to trigger and accelerate ripening, and even trace amounts in an enclosed space speed up spoilage. By trapping and oxidizing that ethylene, the packets slow the ripening process and help maintain quality and shelf life. They are sold in small retail packs of three as well as larger commercial packs of 25 for post-harvest and produce-drawer use.

Each packet is filled with zeolite, a porous mineral that adsorbs ethylene gas from the surrounding air and oxidizes it, permanently removing it rather than simply masking odors. Placed in a sealed produce drawer, storage container, or shipping box alongside ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables, the packet steadily lowers the ethylene concentration in that enclosed space. Because ripening is driven by ethylene, reducing it delays softening, yellowing, and spoilage, extending the usable life of the produce.

Unlike desiccants, the packets cannot be regenerated once saturated. The manufacturer recommends writing the date on each packet and replacing it after roughly 35 to 45 days. The absorbers work best in a closed environment where the trapped ethylene cannot be replaced by fresh outside air.

• Best used inside a sealed drawer, container, or bag so ethylene stays concentrated where the packet can absorb it.
• Single-use and cannot be regenerated: write the date on each packet and replace it after about 35 to 45 days.
• Keep packets separate from direct contact with wet produce; they absorb gas from the air, not moisture.
• Most effective with high ethylene producers like apples, bananas, avocados, and stone fruit.
• Sold in retail 3-packs and commercial 25-packet vacuum-sealed pouches for larger storage needs.
• Dispose of used packets in the trash once expired.