Ethylene absorbers are widely used in the active packaging of fruits and vegetables to slow down ripening and extend shelf life. Common ethylene absorbers include potassium permanganate, which oxidizes ethylene gas, and activated carbon or silica gel impregnated with chemicals to adsorb ethylene effectively.
Calcium hydroxide, however, is not used as an ethylene absorber. Instead, it is commonly used for pH regulation or as a desiccant, but it does not have any significant role in ethylene absorption.