Restrain, a Netherlands-based manufacturer of ethylene generators since 2004, has announced that its signature product has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a sprout inhibitor for stored onions and potatoes in the United States. The product, which is based on natural ethylene gas, has been available in the US since 2022.
Restrain has appointed IVI as its exclusive distributor for the onion, shallots, and garlic market in the United States. IVI will be responsible for distributing the sprout inhibitor across the country, allowing growers in the United States to benefit from this innovative solution.
Restrain’s germination inhibitor is unique in the world due to an economical, natural, residue-free, sustainable method. The product works by continuously maintaining an extremely low concentration of ethylene gas in the store throughout the entire storage period. The receptors in the onions, shallots and garlic will bind and release the ethylene molecules and signal a block to cell elongation – inhibiting the sprouts. The stores can be unloaded without delay for immediate consumption or processing. This unique post-harvest method has been available in 40 countries since 2004 and is rapidly conquering the global market.
Dirk Garos, Strategy Director of Restrain, commented, “We are delighted that our sprout control solution has been approved by the EPA. We believe that this product, like in many other countries in the world, will be of great benefit to reduce losses for growers, and we are very pleased to have IVI on board for a fast and smooth introduction to all onion, shallots and garlic growers in the United States.”
Ragen Darrington, Sales Manager of IVI, commented, “For IVI this great product is exactly what the allium market requires. We supply 95% storage equipment to the onion US market and the window for MH30 as a field application is not always well up taken in the bulbs. Now we have an extra tool for our customers to prevent them from quality losses.”
For more information about Restrain and its ethylene-based sprout inhibitor, please visit https://restrain.io/ and Industrial Ventilation, Inc industry leader in crop storage (ivi-air.com)
CONTACT: Emily Merk, Restrain Sales Manager North America, Emily.Merk@restrain.io
