The global Empty Capsule Market is expected to develop at a 7.3% CAGR from 2024 to 2031. The market value is predicted to rise dramatically between 2024 and 2031, with Asia-Pacific emerging as the fastest-growing region. Key metrics include increased demand for capsule-based medications and nutraceuticals, a growing desire for vegetarian capsules, and technological breakthroughs in capsule manufacturing.
The empty capsule market is expanding rapidly, mainly to the expanding pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, rising consumer preference for capsules over other dosage forms, and increased use of capsules in clinical studies. The market is also benefiting from the increasing popularity of self-medication and preventive healthcare initiatives.
Plant-based capsules are gaining popularity, meeting the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan alternatives.
The empty capsule market is shifting significantly toward plant-based alternatives to classic gelatin capsules. This trend is being pushed by an increasing number of vegetarian and vegan consumers, as well as worries about the origins of animal-derived gelatin. Plant-based capsules, produced from materials such as hypromellose (HPMC) and pullulan, are a viable option for encapsulating a wide range of medicinal and nutritional compounds. According to a Grand View Research analysis, the global vegetarian capsules market was valued at $620.5 million in 2020 and is predicted to rise at a 7.8% CAGR from 2021-2028. This growth is being driven not only by consumer preferences, but also by the pharmaceutical industry's understanding of the advantages of plant-based capsules, such as greater stability and lower moisture content when compared to gelatin capsules. As manufacturers spend in R&D to improve the qualities of vegetarian capsules, this category is poised to take a sizable part of the empty capsule market.
Technological advances in capsule manufacturing improve product quality and production efficiency.
The empty capsule market benefits from major technological developments in capsule production methods. Market expansion is being driven by innovations in capsule design, filling procedures, and quality control measures, which improve product quality, increase manufacturing efficiency, and broaden the variety of capsule applications. For example, the development of multi-compartment capsules enables the combining of incompatible components and the formulation of specific release patterns inside a single dosage form. According to a study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics, these sophisticated capsule designs can increase the bioavailability of some medications and open up new avenues for personalized treatment. Furthermore, the incorporation of automation and artificial intelligence into capsule manufacturing processes increases production speed and consistency while decreasing the danger of contamination. These technical developments not only improve the quality of empty capsules, but also help to reduce the cost of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacture.
Raw material price variations and tight regulatory requirements provide a hindrance to industry expansion.
Despite the generally favorable outlook, the empty capsule market confronts hurdles such as raw material price changes and severe regulatory requirements. The key raw materials for gelatin capsules, such as collagen derived from animals, are vulnerable to price volatility as a result of animal illness outbreaks and changing agricultural techniques. For example, previous outbreaks of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) raised worries about gelatin supply and influenced market dynamics. Furthermore, the growing demand for plant-based capsules has put pressure on the supply of cellulose derivatives, potentially affecting costs. The regulatory requirements for capsule manufacture, particularly for pharmaceutical purposes, are getting more stringent. Compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other quality standards necessitates substantial investment in infrastructure and quality control procedures. According to a paper published in the Pharmaceutical Technology journal, regulatory developments such as the implementation of the EU Medical Device Regulation have resulted in higher costs and longer delays for product development and approval in the capsule business. These characteristics might pose obstacles for smaller manufacturers and have an impact on market growth rates in specific locations.
Gelatin capsules continue to dominate the empty capsule industry, owing to well-established manufacturing processes and widespread compatibility.
Gelatin capsules remain the largest category in the empty capsule industry, despite the growing popularity of plant-based alternatives. This dominance is ascribed to gelatin capsules' lengthy history in the pharmaceutical sector, well-established manufacturing techniques, and broad compatibility with a variety of medication compositions.
Recent advances in gelatin capsule technology have focused on improving performance and broadening their applications. For example, advances in crosslinking techniques have increased gelatin capsule stability in severe pH and high-humidity situations. A study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences found that chemically modified gelatin capsules had better dissolution characteristics for acid-labile medicines, extending their potential usage in gastric-resistant formulations.
The gelatin capsule industry has also experienced developments in capsule shell technology to meet specific medication delivery difficulties. For example, the invention of enteric-coated gelatin capsules has allowed for more precise targeting of drug release in the intestinal tract. According to a Mordor Intelligence market analysis, enteric capsules are likely to rise at a CAGR of 8.5% between 2021 and 2026, owing to rising demand for tailored drug delivery methods.
Furthermore, the gelatin capsule industry has benefited from the increasing popularity of capsule customization. Manufacturers now provide a variety of alternatives for size, color, and printing, allowing pharmaceutical companies to differentiate their products and boost brand identification. This personalization trend is especially relevant in the over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries, where product appearance has a substantial impact on consumer choice.
Asia-Pacific has emerged as the fastest-growing region in the empty capsule market, owing to increased pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare expenditure.
Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the worldwide empty capsule market, with China and India driving the expansion. This rapid growth is ascribed to a number of causes, including the region's thriving pharmaceutical and nutraceutical businesses, rising healthcare spending, and growing population.
The pharmaceutical manufacturing business in Asia-Pacific has expanded significantly, with major global pharmaceutical corporations opening production facilities in countries such as India and China. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, India is the world's largest supplier of generic pharmaceuticals, meeting more than half of global demand for various vaccinations. This large pharmaceutical production base has resulted in a high demand for empty capsules in the region.
China's empty capsule industry is expanding rapidly, driven by the country's vast population, rising healthcare awareness, and government attempts to increase healthcare access. The Chinese government's "Healthy China 2030" strategy, which aims to strengthen the health industry, is predicted to increase demand for pharmaceutical products, especially empty capsules.
In terms of market dynamics, Asia-Pacific has experienced a considerable movement toward the adoption of advanced capsule technologies. For example, demand for HPMC capsules in the region is fast increasing, notably in Japan and South Korea, where plant-based products are highly preferred. Market Data Forecast predicts that the Asia-Pacific vegetarian capsule market will develop at a CAGR of 8.5% between 2021 and 2026, exceeding the global average.
The region has also seen considerable investment in capsule manufacturing facilities. To accommodate rising demand, several worldwide capsule manufacturers have increased production capacity in Asia-Pacific. For example, Lonza Group announced plans to expand its capsule manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China, in 2021, with the goal of doubling production capacity for both gelatin and HPMC capsules.
The empty capsule market is characterized by the presence of numerous established players as well as an increasing number of regional manufacturers. Market leaders' key tactics include investing in R&D for breakthrough capsule technologies, expanding production capacity, and forming strategic collaborations to boost their market position.
Capsugel (now part of the Lonza Group) maintains a dominant position in the empty capsule industry with a varied array of gelatin and non-gelatin capsules. The company's Vcaps® Plus HPMC capsules have a sizable market share in the plant-based area. Lonza revealed that its Capsules & Health Ingredients sector, which comprises empty capsules, had sales of CHF 1.2 billion in 2021, demonstrating its strong market presence.
ACG Worldwide has enhanced its market position through constant innovation and global expansion. The company's innovative capsule technologies, including ACGcaps™ H+ capsules for hygroscopic pharmaceuticals, have led to a large market share. ACG has also increased its manufacturing base in important regions, including recent investments in production sites in Brazil and Croatia.
Emerging developments in the competitive landscape include a greater emphasis on developing specialty capsules for specific applications, such as inhalation products and liquid-filled hard capsules. Companies such as Qualicaps (part of Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation) have been in the forefront of developing this specialist capsule technology.
Looking ahead, improvements in capsule materials, such as the development of innovative plant-based polymers and the incorporation of smart technologies into capsule manufacturing, are likely to affect competitive dynamics. Companies who can successfully combine capsule design innovation with sustainable manufacturing processes are expected to acquire a competitive advantage in the rapidly developing empty capsule market.
The empty capsule industry is at an interesting juncture, ready for considerable upheaval as a result of technical advancements and shifting customer tastes. The industry's future lies in the development of innovative capsule materials that can provide greater functionality, such as increased stability, targeted release profiles, and compatibility with a broader range of active ingredients.
An important trend to keep an eye on is the increased emphasis on sustainable and environmentally responsible capsule production. As environmental concerns grow, capsule producers are likely to invest in biodegradable materials and more sustainable manufacturing procedures. This trend toward sustainability has the potential to become a crucial market differentiator, especially as consumers and regulatory agencies place a larger emphasis on environmental impacts.
- Capsugel (a Lonza Company)
- ACG Worldwide
- Qualicaps (Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation)
- Suheung Co., Ltd.
- CapsCanada Corporation
- Roxlor LLC
- Medi-Caps Ltd.
- Snail Pharma Industry Co., Ltd.
- Sunil Healthcare Limited
- Bright Pharma Caps Inc.
July 2023: ACG Worldwide launches new plant-based capsule made from fermented tapioca, catering to the growing demand for clean-label products
April 2023: Lonza Group announces expansion of its R&D center in Colmar, France, to accelerate innovation in capsule technologies
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Market Definitions & Study Assumptions
1.2. Market Research Scope & Segment
1.3. Research Methodology
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2.1. Market Overview & Insights
2.2. Segment Outlook
2.3. Region Outlook
3. COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE
3.1. Companies Financial Position
3.2. Company Benchmarking -- Key Players
3.3. Market Share Analysis -- Key Companies
3.4. Recent Companies Key Activities
3.5. Pricing Analysis
3.6. SWOT Analysis
4. COMPANY PROFILES (KEY COMPANIES LIST BY COUNTRY) (PREMIUM)
5. COMPANY PROFILES
5.1. ACG Worldwide
5.2. Capsugel
5.3. Qualicaps Inc.
5.4. Bright Pharma Caps Inc.
5.5. Sunil Healthcare Ltd.
5.6. CapsCanada Corporation
5.7. Roxlor LLC
5.8. Snail Pharma Industry Co. Ltd.
5.9. Suheung Co. Ltd.
5.10. Medi-Caps Ltd. (*LIST NOT EXHAUSTIVE)
6. MARKET DYNAMICS
6.1. Market Trends
6.1.1. Growing demand for vegetarian and vegan capsules
6.1.2. Increasing adoption of capsules in nutraceutical products
6.1.3. Advancements in capsule manufacturing technologies
6.2. Market Drivers
6.2.1. Rising demand for customized capsule solutions
6.2.2. Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases
6.2.3. Growing pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries
6.3. Market Restraints
6.3.1. Stringent regulatory requirements for capsule manufacturing
6.3.2. Fluctuations in raw material prices
6.4. Market Opportunities
6.5. Porter's Five Forces Analysis
6.6. Supply Chain Analysis
6.7. Value Chain Analysis
6.8. Trade Analysis
6.9. Pricing Analysis
6.10. Regulatory Analysis
6.11. Patent Analysis
6.12. SWOT Analysis
6.13. PESTLE Analysis
7. BY PRODUCT TYPE (MARKET SIZE/VALUE (US$ Mn), SHARE (%), MARKET FORECAST (%), YOY GROWTH (%)-- 2020-2031)
7.1. Gelatin
7.1.1. Pig Meat Gelatin
7.1.2. Bovine Derived
7.1.3. Bone Meal
7.1.4. Other Gelatin Capsule Products
7.2. Non-Gelatin
8. BY RAW MATERIAL (MARKET SIZE/VALUE (US$ Mn), SHARE (%), MARKET FORECAST (%), YOY GROWTH (%)-- 2020-2031)
8.1. Type-A
8.2. Type-B
8.3. Gelatin Fish Bone
8.4. Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)
8.5. Starch Materials
8.6. Pullulan
9. BY FUNCTIONALITY (MARKET SIZE/VALUE (US$ Mn), SHARE (%), MARKET FORECAST (%), YOY GROWTH (%)-- 2020-2031)
9.1. Pharmaceutical
9.2. Nutraceutical
9.3. Cosmeceutical
9.4. Research Laboratories
10. BY APPLICATION (MARKET SIZE/VALUE (US$ Mn), SHARE (%), MARKET FORECAST (%), YOY GROWTH (%)-- 2020-2031)
10.1. Antibiotic and Antibacterial Drugs
10.2. Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
10.3. Antacid and Antiflatulent Preparations
10.4. Antianemic Preparations
10.5. Others
11. BY END USE (MARKET SIZE/VALUE (US$ Mn), SHARE (%), MARKET FORECAST (%), YOY GROWTH (%)-- 2020-2031)
11.1. Pharmaceutical
11.2. Nutraceutical
11.3. Cosmeceutical
11.4. Research Laboratories
12. REGION (MARKET SIZE/VALUE (US$ Mn), SHARE (%), MARKET FORECAST (%), YOY GROWTH (%)-- 2020-2031)
12.1. North America
12.1.1. United States
12.1.2. Canada
12.1.3. Mexico
12.2. South America
12.2.1. Brazil
12.2.2. Argentina
12.2.3. Rest of South America
12.3. Europe
12.3.1. Germany
12.3.2. United Kingdom
12.3.3. France
12.3.4. Italy
12.3.5. Spain
12.3.6. Russia
12.3.7. Rest of Europe
12.4. Asia-Pacific
12.4.1. China
12.4.2. Japan
12.4.3. India
12.4.4. Australia
12.4.5. South Korea
12.4.6. Rest of Asia-Pacific
12.5. Middle-East
12.5.1. UAE
12.5.2. Saudi Arabia
12.5.3. Turkey
12.5.4. Rest of Middle East
12.6. Africa
12.6.1. South Africa
12.6.2. Egypt
12.6.3. Rest of Africa
*NOTE: All the regions mentioned in the scope will be provided with (MARKET SIZE/VALUE (US$ Mn), SHARE (%), MARKET FORECAST (%), YOY GROWTH (%)-- 2020-2031)
By Type :
Gelatin Capsules
Non-Gelatin Capsules
By Functionality :
Immediate-release Capsules
Sustained-release Capsules
Delayed-release Capsules
By Application :
Antibiotic & Antibacterial Drugs
Dietary Supplements
Antacid & Antiflatulent Preparations
Antianemic Preparations
Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Others
By End-User :
Pharmaceutical Industry
Nutraceutical Industry
Cosmetic Industry
Research Laboratories
By Region :
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Latin America
Middle East & Africa
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