Provided are compositions comprising a collection of coated particles, wherein the coated particles comprises an active ingredient dispersed in an resin matrix and a coating comprising at least one hydrophobic compound. Also provided are methods for preparing compositions comprising: (a) blending an active ingredient (for example, 1-MCP complex powder) with resin at the temperature slightly over the melting point of the resin (b) dispersing the blend into an oil medium containing hydrophobic particles by shearing and obtain an oil dispersion and (c) consolidating the resin particles by cooling. Thus, the active ingredient (for example, 1 -MCP complex powder) is imbedded in the resin matrix spheres, and the hydrophobic particles, which also serve as Pickering emulsifier to stabilize the matrix spheres, form a coating layer around the matrix spheres to provide protection against water. Thus, the sphere is composed of the "Pickering" particle and resin matrix, in which the active ingredient is imbedded.
