Empty Capsules Market

Global Empty Capsules Market:

The global empty capsules market size reached USD 3.3 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 5.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.28% during 2025-2033. The emerging popularity of capsule-in-capsule technology to ensure the gastrointestinal safety of patients, coupled with numerous advancements in the healthcare industry, are primarily fueling the market.

Empty Capsules Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases is primarily driving the global market. Moreover, the rising adoption of non-gelatin capsules, such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), due to its transparency, moderate strength, resistance to oil and fat properties, etc., is also acting as another significant growth-inducing factor.
• Key Market Trends: The widespread investments by key players in the healthcare sector for introducing innovative therapeutics and pharmaceutical drugs are among the emerging trends bolstering the market. Furthermore, the development of immediate-release capsules is also positively influencing the market growth.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the prominent companies in the global market include ACG Associated Capsules Pvt. Ltd., Bright Pharma Caps Inc., CapsCanada Corporation, HealthCaps India Limited, Lonza Group AG, Medicaps Limited, Qualicaps Co. Ltd. (Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation), Nectar Lifesciences Limited, Roxlor LLC, Shanxi Guangsheng Medicinal Capsules Co. Ltd, Snail Pharma Industry Co. Ltd, Suheung Co. Ltd, and Sunil Healthcare Limited, among many others.
• Geographical Trends: North America exhibits a clear dominance in the market, owing to the increasing inclination among health-conscious individuals towards dietary supplements. Besides this, various strategic collaborations between empty capsule suppliers and gelatin manufacturers are contributing to the growth of the regional market.
• Challenges and Opportunities: One of the major challenges in the empty capsules market is ensuring the stability and compatibility of capsules with a wide range of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). However, continuous improvements in material science to develop innovative capsule materials and formulations that enhance stability and reduce interactions with diverse APIs are expected to fuel the market in the coming years.
   

Empty Capsules Market Trends:

Occurrence of Chronic Diseases

The expanding geriatric population who are susceptible to developing associated chronic conditions is escalating the demand for the production of therapeutically effective medicines in the form of capsules, as they are easy to swallow and have faster dissolution times compared to other oral dosage forms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of individuals aged 80 years or older is anticipated to triple between 2020 and 2050, reaching roughly about 426 million. Besides this, as stated by the Population Reference Bureau's Population Bulletin-Aging in the United States, the Americans aged 65 years and older are expected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060. Additionally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are highly prevalent globally. As per the data published by the World Health Organization in 2019, an estimated 17.9 million people die each year due to the elevating incidences of cardiovascular diseases, and the number is projected to grow approximately to more than 23.6 million by 2030. Moreover, according to the British Heart Foundation Centre, around 7.6 million individuals were living with heart and circulatory diseases in 2021 across the United Kingdom. As a result, the rising incidences of these cases are bolstering the adoption of cardiovascular therapy drugs for effective treatment, which is providing a positive empty capsules market outlook.

Novel Product Launches

The introduction of advanced encapsulation solutions in the pharmaceutical industry is fueling the market. Key players are developing enhanced empty capsule variants, such as HPMC capsules, that serve as vegetarian alternatives to hard gelatin capsules and satisfy certain dietary and cultural needs. For example, Capsugel, one of the prominent empty capsules manufacturers with more than 20 years of experience in hard gelatin capsule manufacturing, amongst other technologies, provides a range of hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) capsules for inhalation and oral pharmaceutical applications. Another instance is the development of ACGcaps NTone by ACG in March 2022, which offers natural color options derived from edible sources, appealing to health-conscious individuals. Moreover, Suheung Capsule, one of the key players in contract HPMC and hard gelatin capsule manufacturing services, offers highly stable hard gelatin capsule shell materials for the pharmaceutical industry. Apart from this, the increasing number of regulatory approvals from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are simplifying the process of new formulations, which, in turn, is one of the empty capsules market recent opportunities. For example, in April 2020, Qualicaps, one of the manufacturers of hard capsules and pharmaceutical-related equipment, expanded its presence in the Middle East and Africa after signing agency and distribution partnership agreements with a number of leading companies operating in the region. Similarly, in August 2020, Dr. Reddy Laboratories received USFDA approval for the development of generic Penicillamine capsules that can be used for the treatment of cystinuria and Wilson's disease. 

Adoption of Dietary Supplements

The inflating popularity of cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals that are preferred in capsule forms, such as CosmoPod capsules and cod liver oil capsules, respectively, is acting as a significant growth-inducing factor. According to the report published by IMARC, the global nutraceuticals market size reached US$ 468.5 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group anticipated the market to reach US$ 856.3 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% during 2024-2032. Consequently, the introduction of supplements in the form of capsules that allow lucrative opportunities for new formulations is propelling the empty capsules market demand. For instance, in December 2023, ACG, one of the Mumbai-based capsule manufacturing providers, developed a novel design for nutraceuticals by using side by sides technology that separates capsules into two compartments, thereby enabling ingredients of two different forms, such as liquid and powder, to be made into one capsule. Apart from this, the data from the Dietary Supplements Label Database (DSLD) revealed that roughly 50,000 dietary supplement capsules, softgel, tablet, powder, liquid, gummy, and packet products are available. Most of these products are numerous dosage forms of single vitamins, multi-vitamins, amino acids, herbals, multi-minerals, etc. Moreover, the DSLD data stated that more than 17,000 products are available as capsules under several categories, accounting for a 34 % share among all dosage forms. This, in turn, is driving the global market.

Empty Capsules Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with the empty capsules market forecast at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on the type, raw material, functionality, therapeutic application, and end user.

Breakup by Type:

• Gelatin Capsule
• Non-gelatin Capsule
   

Currently, gelatin capsule accounts for the largest market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes gelatin capsule and non-gelatin capsule. According to the report, gelatin capsule represented the largest segmentation.

Gelatin capsules, also called gel caps, represent a popular form of oral dosage used in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries due to their ease of use, versatility, and ability to mask unpleasant tastes and odors of enclosed substances. Moreover, they are commonly available in both hard and soft forms. Hard gelatin capsules are widely used for dry, powdered ingredients and pellets, while soft gelatin capsules are ideal for oils and liquid-based formulations. The introduction of gelatin capsules with optimal properties, such as improved stability and modified release profiles, is augmenting the segment's growth. For instance, companies, such as Suheung, offer EMBO CAPS capsules that are manufactured to optimize stability. These capsules are also produced by adopting high-grade raw materials, including gelatine, which is sourced from Geltech, a subsidiary of Suheung. In addition, stringent specification compliance and computerized raw material cross-blending ensure only powders that meet the exact requirements can reach the capsulation machines. Apart from this, in February 2023, Vivion, Inc. introduced a wide range of empty gelatin capsules.

Breakup by Raw Material:

• Pig Meat
• Bovine Meat
• Bone
• Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)
• Others
   

Among these, pig meat exhibits a clear dominance in the empty capsules market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the raw material. This includes pig meat, bovine meat, bone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and others. According to the report, pig meat represented the largest segmentation.

Pig meat, specifically pork-derived gelatin, exhibits a clear dominance in the market share, owing to its widespread availability and excellent gelling properties, which are crucial for capsule manufacturing. Pork gelatin is favored for its consistent quality and ability to form strong and flexible capsules that dissolve readily in the stomach. For example, Capsugel adopts pork-derived gelatin in their widely used capsules, thereby ensuring reliable performance. Additionally, in November 2021, the International Gelatin Manufacturers Association reported that approximately 85% of the gelatin used in pharmaceutical applications, including capsules, is derived from pork. This dominance is also driven by the well-established supply chains and lower production costs associated with pork gelatin compared to other sources, such as bovine or fish gelatin. Despite the growing interest in alternative sources due to dietary restrictions and ethical concerns, pork gelatin remains the preferred choice in the industry.

Breakup by Functionality:

• Immediate-release Capsules
• Sustained-release Capsules
• Delayed-release Capsules
   

Currently, immediate-release capsules account for the majority of the global market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the functionality. This includes immediate-release capsules, sustained-release capsules, and delayed-release capsules. According to the report, immediate-release capsules represented the largest segmentation.

The inflating need for delivering medications that require rapid onset of action is augmenting the growth in this segment. Immediate-release capsules dissolve quickly in the stomach, releasing their contents promptly for fast therapeutic effects, which makes them ideal for a broad range of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. For example, in August 2022, ACG launched its line of immediate-release capsules, ACGcaps IR, which are specifically designed to optimize the release profile of active ingredients, enhancing their efficacy and patient compliance. Similarly, in January 2023, Capsugel introduced their Vcaps Plus capsules with immediate-release properties, tailored for high-speed filling processes and ensuring quick dissolution and bioavailability. These innovations cater to the escalating demand for effective and fast-acting medications, which is elevating the empty capsules market's recent price.

Breakup by Therapeutic Application:

• Antibiotic and Antibacterial Drugs
• Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
• Antacid and Antiflatulent Preparations
• Cardiovascular Therapy Drugs
• Others
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on therapeutic application. This includes antibiotic and antibacterial drugs, vitamins and dietary supplements, antacid and antiflatulent preparations, cardiovascular therapy drugs, and others.

The rising usage of capsules in antibiotics like amoxicillin helps to improve patient adherence due to their ease of swallowing and controlled dosage forms. Additionally, vitamins and dietary supplements also comprise a large portion of the market, driven by the growing consumer focus on health and wellness. Capsules offer a convenient way to consume essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which are often found in capsule form. Antacid and antiflatulent preparations benefit from the ability of capsules to deliver fast-acting relief from digestive issues. In cardiovascular therapy, they ensure the accurate delivery of drugs like statins and antihypertensives, which are crucial for managing chronic heart conditions. Besides this, other therapeutic areas, including pain management and hormonal therapies, utilize capsules for their versatility and efficacy in drug delivery, which is expected to bolster the empty capsules market revenue in the coming years.

Breakup by End User:

• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Nutraceutical Industry
• Cosmetics Industry
• Others
   

Currently, the pharmaceutical industry account for the majority of the global market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the end user. This includes pharmaceutical industry, nutraceutical industry, cosmetics industry, and others. According to the report, the pharmaceutical industry represented the largest segmentation.

As per the empty capsules market statistics, the escalating demand for patient-friendly delivery methods is stimulating the market. Empty capsules provide a reliable form for encapsulating various types of medications, from powders and granules to liquids and semisolids. For instance, in September 2023, Lonza reported a significant increase in demand for its Capsugel hard gelatin capsules, driven by their use in novel drug formulations and clinical trials. These capsules are favored for their consistent performance and compatibility with a wide range of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Similarly, Qualicaps developed its new line of Quali-G hard gelatin capsules, which is designed specifically for high-potency drugs, which require precise dosing and enhanced stability. Key players in the pharmaceutical industry also leverage empty capsules for controlled-release formulations, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

According to the empty capsules market overview, North America currently dominates the global market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share.

The increasing incidences of chronic diseases, along with the expanding geriatric population in the United States, are stimulating the regional market. According to the Population Reference Bureau's Population Bulletin-Aging in the United States, the number of individuals aged 65 years and older is expected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060. Besides this, the escalating demand for capsule-based nutraceutical formulations is also acting as another significant growth-inducing factor. As per the CRN Consumer Survey, 77% of Americans reported consuming dietary supplements in 2019. Moreover, the survey revealed that vitamins and minerals were the most common supplements consumed by the population across the United States in the same year, accounting for 76% of total dietary supplement consumption. Apart from this, the well-structured healthcare systems in Canada are also encouraging investments in R&D activities, which are anticipated to fuel the empty capsules market in North America over the forecasted period.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major empty capsules market companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• ACG Associated Capsules Pvt. Ltd.
• Bright Pharma Caps Inc.
• CapsCanada Corporation
• HealthCaps India Limited
• Lonza Group AG
• Medicaps Limited
• Qualicaps Co. Ltd. (Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation)
• Nectar Lifesciences Limited
• Roxlor LLC
• Shanxi Guangsheng Medicinal Capsules Co. Ltd
• Snail Pharma Industry Co. Ltd
• Suheung Co. Ltd
• Sunil Healthcare Limited
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Empty Capsules Market Recent Developments:

• May 2024: Roquette, one of the global leaders in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical excipients, developed its LYCAGEL Flex hydroxypropyl pea starch premix for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical softgel capsules.
• April 2024: Lupin Ltd launched the first generic version of doxycycline capsules, Oracea, in the United States after receiving approval from the U.S. FDA.
• February 2023: Vivion, Inc., one of the brands of the Operio Group, announced the introduction of optimal product ranges of empty gelatin, HPMC, and pullulan capsules.
• December 2023: One of the health brands of Darling Ingredients, Rousselot, received a U.S. Patent for gelatin technology that improves soft gel capsule stability and efficacy.

Empty Capsules Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the empty capsules market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global empty capsules market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the empty capsules industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.