Report

Global empty capsules market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.53% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 3.52 billion in 2023 to USD 5.84 billion in 2031. Capsules are solid pharmaceutical dosage forms that contain one or more medications, or a combination of drugs designed to treat a specific illness or condition in the human body. The most common uses for empty capsules are to store medications, powders, herbs, and pharmaceuticals. The elderly population prefers capsules over tablets because they are easier to swallow. Pharmaceutical companies make their medications and package them in empty capsules for distribution. Pullulan, starch, HPMC, and other non-gelatinous materials are typically used to make the capsule shells. The empty capsules are available in a range of sizes, hues, and forms. In addition, there are hard gelatin capsules composed of pure water and gelatin that are accessible. Several factors, including the adoption of unhealthy and sedentary lifestyles, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking, are the primary causes of growth in chronic diseases. Since capsules are easily available to everyone at affordable prices, are easy to consume, and are successful in treating chronic disorders, their use is expected to increase rapidly in the coming years. Additional factors, including the growing popularity of nutraceuticals due to rising awareness in people about living a healthy lifestyle, are also leading to market expansion. New developments and innovations are leading to market expansion.
For instance, West Wolf Medicinals announced in March 2024 that it would release vegan capsules containing mushroom extracts. It's a certified organic capsule. The 120 tin-sealed capsules containing Cordyceps, Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Lion's Mane are created from environmentally friendly recycled aluminum.
Surge in Demand for Hard-Gelatin Capsules Leading to Market Expansion
The market for empty capsules is expanding significantly due to the rise in demand for hard gelatin capsules that are made especially to protect solid contents like powders. The pharmaceutical industry's continuous efforts to boost compliance and improve drug delivery techniques are the core causes of this trend. Hard gelatin capsules are a dependable way to encapsulate solid formulations, preventing them from degrading and guaranteeing their stability until ingestion. They are generally made of gelatin or hypromellose. The capacity of hard gelatin capsules to efficiently hold and maintain solid medications is one of the main factors contributing to their growing popularity over alternative dosage forms. These capsules offer a strong protective shell against oxygen and moisture, which are vital for keeping delicate solid compositions from degrading. Consequently, to maintain the therapeutic efficacy of the drugs and increase their shelf life, pharmaceutical companies are using hard gelatin capsules more and more.
Furthermore, hard capsules improve patient compliance and convenience. They can be designed for targeted or controlled release and are simple to swallow, which enhances the patient experience overall. This is particularly crucial for older and pediatric patients, who frequently experience problems with conventional liquid or solid dosage forms. In conclusion, a major reason propelling the growth of the empty capsule market is the increasing need for hard gelatin capsules to protect solid contents. Their growing appeal in the pharmaceutical and related industries is emphasized by their capacity to protect drug stability, greater patient compliance, and formulation flexibility. For instance, Sidebyside capsule technology is transforming the hard-capsule market by offering dual-compartment capsules that can house two distinct ingredients. This innovation allows for the separation of incompatible substances or the controlled release of active components. The technology enhances formulation flexibility, improves product efficacy, and caters to personalized health needs. As a result, it boosts consumer interest and market growth in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, offering a competitive edge through advanced delivery and customization options.
Growth in the Market Due to Technological Advancements
The pharmaceutical industry has experienced substantial expansion due to technological advancements that have altered the production, formulation, and use of drugs. Among the most significant technological advancements is the introduction of advanced production techniques. The production of capsules is now more accurate and efficient due to automation and precise engineering, which also ensures scalability and high standards. Due to this, producers are now able to satisfy the growing need for empty capsules for a range of medical uses. Scientific advances related to material sciences have also been very important. The development of new materials, such as plant-based and gelatin replacements, is meeting the growing consumer preference for vegetarian and vegan products. The market attractiveness and compliance among various consumer segments are increased by these materials, which are designed to offer the same stability and bioavailability as conventional gelatin capsules. Technology has also pushed improvements in capsule design, resulting in the production of specially made capsules for drug delivery systems. For example, it is now feasible to produce capsules with altered release profiles, enteric coatings, and improved dissolving qualities, which maximizes the effectiveness and patient experience in pharmaceuticals.
Customization is essential to address the unique demands of patients and healthcare professionals and promote market growth. The market for empty capsules has also benefited from the use of digital technologies in healthcare, such as telemedicine and electronic health records (EHR). The demand for exact and customized dosage forms, which capsules can effectively provide, is rising as a result of these technologies, which enable accurate prescription management and personalized medication. Moreover, advancements in analytical techniques and quality control have ensured the safety and reliability of empty capsules, boosting consumer confidence and regulatory approval. Overall, the synergy between technological innovation and the pharmaceutical industry's needs continues to drive the robust growth of the empty capsules market. For instance, Enprotect, a novel capsule solution from Lonza Group Ltd., was introduced in November 2022 to deliver ingested active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that are sensitive to acidity. The company's product line expanded as a result of the introduction of this product.
Increasing Dominance of Nutraceuticals Segment Leading to Market Growth
In the upcoming years, the application sector for nutraceuticals and dietary supplements is anticipated to dominate the global market. Personalized nutrition, growing health and wellness consciousness, and shifting consumer behavior are some reasons propelling the market. Increased knowledge about preventive healthcare is one of the main drivers of the dietary supplement market. More people are realizing how crucial it is to have a balanced diet that includes all the nutrients they need to support their general health. Dietary supplements provide an easy solution for meeting certain health conditions and nutritional deficits. The aging population is another important reason for increasing the market for empty capsules and dietary supplements. The elderly population frequently chooses to take supplements to improve their general well-being and treat particular health concerns as they work to maintain their health and energy. A useful way to encapsulate unique formulas or customized dosages based on patient needs is to use empty capsules.
Nutraceuticals are frequently used by bodybuilders, fitness enthusiasts, and athletes to maximize performance, promote recovery, and meet fitness objectives. Since empty capsules are convenient, a variety of powdered supplements, such as protein powders, amino acids, and pre-workout formulations, can be conveniently encapsulated. An easy, practical, and adaptable way to take dietary supplements is with empty pharmaceutical capsules. Owing to its adaptability, customers find it simpler to include supplements in their regular routines, which supports the expansion of the nutraceuticals and dietary supplements application market. For example, LYCAGEL Flex hydroxypropyl pea starch premix was developed by Roquette Freresin in April 2024, which is one of the leading global leaders in pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical excipients. This premix was prepared for plant-based nutraceutical and pharmaceutical soft gel capsules.
North America to Dominate the Empty Capsules Market
The adoption of this dosage form by several pharmaceutical giants, plus the existence of a sizable number of businesses with high-volume capsule production capabilities, accounts for North America's supremacy. Furthermore, the growing emphasis on better medications and generics has raised the need for empty capsules. Basically, because of the expansion of the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, growing consumer awareness of nutraceutical products, and the emergence of new health-related trends in the region, North America leads this market. Additionally, the region's product demand is fueled by the government's strong support of pharmaceutical research and development, healthcare in general, and the growing need for preventative care. The demand for empty supplements and vitamin capsules has also increased due to the unfavorable changes in American lifestyles and the consequent rise in the necessity for nutraceuticals for adequate nutrient consumption. The market in the region will also be driven by the growing awareness of vegetarian empty shells (those without gelatin) and the availability of highly advanced capsule-filling machinery.
Over the course of the projection period, Canada will exhibit notable growth in the North American market. It is mostly attributable to the significant expenditures made by the major players in the production of vitamin and pharmaceutical tablets, as well as in tactical moves such as product launches and acquisitions to increase their market share. In addition, market participants in the region benefit from the increased incidence of all diseases and the growing understanding of immunity among people. For example, in April 2024, following US FDA�s (Food and Drug Administration) permission, Lupin Limited introduced Oracea, the first generic version of doxycycline capsules, in the US market.
Future Market Scenario (2024-2031F)
Main factors contributing to the anticipated growth of empty capsules market are the rising geriatric population and the increasing instances of chronic diseases. However rising awareness in people about boosting immunity is also driving the market. This is an ever-growing trend that not only positively affects people�s lifestyles but also rise the market of capsules. Given that technology is advancing, cutting-edge technology in the area is expected. Players in this market are expanding at an un-paralleled rate, introducing cost-effective and efficient technologies. Government policies and policies made by welfare bodies are also greatly fueling the market expansion. For instance, one of the Operio Group LLC's brands, Vivion, Inc., announced in February 2023 the launch of optimal product ranges of pullulan, HPMC, and empty gelatin capsules.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
Several companies such as Lonza Group Ltd., ACG Group, Qualicaps, Suheung Co., Ltd., CapsCanada Corporation, Shanxi Guangsheng Medicinal Capsule Co., Ltd., Natural Capsules Limited, Erawat Pharma Limited, Nectar Lifesciences Ltd., Comed Chemicals Limited, etc., are expanding business by planning and adopting new strategies. They are complying with new strategic initiatives regarding the launches of newly developed empty capsules to help researchers and strengthen their presence in the market. New product launches, agreements based on contracts, acquisitions and mergers, investments, and partnerships are a few ways through which they are trying to achieve the same.
For instance, ACG Company�s Vantage Nutrition LLC purchased South Africa's BioCap GmbH and the US's ComboCap, Inc. to increase its technology and global reach in March 2023.
The manufacturing facilities of Akums Drug & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., located in Haridwar, India, for empty hard gelatin capsules were licensed in July 2022. This European Union-based (EU-based) company is known to adopt Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).