Empty Capsule Market Research Report Information by Type (Gelatin Capsules [Porcine Gelatin and Bovine Gelatin {Skin Gelatin and Bone Gelatin} and Vegetarian Capsules [Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) and Pullulan & Starch]), by Functionality (Fast-release Capsules and Slow-release Capsules), and by Physical Characteristics (Halal and Non-Halal), by Form (Hard Capsules and Soft Capsules), by Appearance (Transparent and Opaque) by Application (Pharmaceutical [Antibiotic & Antibacterial Drugs, Antacid & Antiflatulent, Anti-inflammatory d

Empty Capsule Market Overview

Empty Capsule Market size was valued at USD 31.83 billion in 2023. The Empty Capsule Market industry is projected to grow from USD 33.99 billion in 2024 to USD 60.78 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.68% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The factors that are driving the growth of the global market are growth in the pharmaceutical industry Worldwide and advancements in capsule technology.

 Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Empty Capsule Market Trends

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    Growth in the Pharmaceutical Industry Worldwide

  
  

The robust growth of the pharmaceutical industry stands as a pivotal driver propelling the expansion of the global empty capsules market. Across the world, the pharmaceutical sector is experiencing unprecedented advancements and expansion, driven by factors such as increasing healthcare needs, technological innovations, and a continuous stream of new drug developments. As populations age and health awareness rise, the demand for pharmaceuticals has surged, leading to a subsequent increase in the utilization of empty capsules. These capsules serve as efficient and versatile vehicles for drug delivery, encapsulating a wide array of medications ranging from traditional oral drugs to advanced formulations. The dynamic landscape of pharmaceutical research and development, coupled with a heightened emphasis on precision medicine, has further amplified the need for encapsulation solutions. For Instance, according to the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, in 2020 the pharmaceutical industry invested more than USD 48,638.3 million in R&D in Europe.

The global empty capsules market is witnessing substantial growth, driven prominently by the escalating demand for nutraceuticals. The rising global interest in preventive healthcare and the pursuit of wellness have fueled a surge in the consumption of nutraceutical products, which often utilize empty capsules as preferred encapsulation solutions. Empty capsules are commonly used to encapsulate vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional supplements, driving the demand for empty capsules in the nutraceutical sector. Additionally, empty capsules play a pivotal role in the nutraceutical industry, providing an efficient and convenient means for encapsulating diverse formulations. Consumers often prefer capsules for nutritional supplements due to factors such as ease of consumption, taste masking, and accurate dosing. The encapsulation of nutraceutical ingredients within empty capsules ensures proper delivery, bioavailability, and stability of the active compounds, meeting consumer expectations for both efficacy and convenience. Furthermore, as consumers increasingly seek plant-based and vegetarian alternatives, the market is witnessing a shift towards the production of these capsules using alternative materials.

The global empty capsules market is experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Increasing healthcare needs, technological innovations, and rising health awareness are fueling demand for both pharmaceutical drugs and nutraceuticals, with empty capsules serving as efficient delivery vehicles. The growing preference for plant-based and vegetarian capsules reflects consumer demand for alternatives. As pharmaceutical research continues to evolve and wellness trends rise, the empty capsules market is set to expand further, offering diverse encapsulation solutions for a wide range of applications.

Empty Capsule Market Segment Insights

Empty Capsule Market Type Insights

Based on type, the global empty capsules market has been segmented into gelatin capsules and vegetarian capsules. The gelatin capsules segment held the largest market share in 2023, and vegetarian capsules is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period i.e., 2023 -2032.

The gelatin capsule is the most common because it provides consumers with a palatable and digestive alternative to oral suspension and conventional tablets. Its properties include safe, non-allergenic, natural, clean and economical ingredients. The benefits of gelatin capsules are taste & odor masking, ease of administration, portability, rapid drug action, flexibility of formulation of hard gelatin capsules, barrier to oxidation, and solubility enhancement of poorly soluble drug substances. The gelatin capsule is segmented into porcine gelatin, bovine gelatin, further the bovine is bifurcated into skin gelatin and bone gelatin. The primary gelatin capsules including bovine and porcine are utilizes in filling medicine in which bovine gelatin capsule offers firmness & stability, lower cost, faster dissolution, wider color options, and porcine gelatin capsule offers clarity, plasticity, neutral taste & odor. Furthermore, gelatin can be derived from either animal bones or animal skin. Both types of gelatins offer similar advantages as capsule materials, but there are some key differences such as flavor, clarity, and cost. As per the secondary research, bone gelatin is typically more expensive than skin gelatin.

Empty Capsule Market Functionality Insights

On the basis of functionality, the global empty capsules market has been segmented into fast-release capsules and slow-release capsules. The fast-release capsules segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period i.e., 2022 -2032.

The functionality of capsules depends on their properties. There are companies, including Lonza Pharma & Biotech (Switzerland), that offer fast-release capsules, also known as immediate-release capsules, namely Coni-Snap Gelatin, Vcaps Plus, Vcaps Gen C, and Plantcaps. These capsules are in high demand because of the increasing incidence of allergic reactions and infections, including bacteria, and the high need for fast-release pain relief capsules. The acetaminophen gel capsule is recommended for pain relief; the cetirizine capsule is given for allergic reactions; and amoxicillin is recommended for bacterial infections.

FIGURE 2: EMPTY CAPSULE MARKET, BY FUNCTIONALITY, 2023 & 2032 (USD BILLION)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Empty Capsule Market Physical Characteristics Insights

Based on physical characteristics, the global empty capsules market has been segmented into halal and non-halal. The halal segment held the largest market share in 2023 and is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period i.e., 2023 -2032.

Halal empty capsules are specialized capsules used in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and dietary supplement industries that adhere to Halal dietary restrictions and guidelines. The halal capsules available in the market are made up of bovine gelatin and vegetarian polymers. The growth of the halal segment is driven by the expansion of the pharmaceutical & nutraceutical industries and government support & certification initiatives.  

Empty Capsule Market Form Insights

On the basis of form, the global empty capsules market has been segmented into hard capsules and soft capsules. The soft capsules segment held the largest market share in 2023 and is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period i.e., 2023 -2032.

Hard empty capsules are cylindrical, two-piece dosage forms commonly made from gelatin (derived from animal collagen) or plant-based materials like hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). These are used in both the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries in order to encapsulate dry and semi-dry ingredients like powders, granules, and pellets. Hard empty capsules are majorly preferred for liquid-filled drugs, and increasing demand is forcing companies to launch hard empty capsule services to meet the needs of customers. For instance, in March 2021, CapsCanada (Canada) launched a liquid-filled hard capsule manufacturing service.   

Empty Capsule Market Appearance Insights

The global empty capsules market has been segmented, based on appearance into transparent and opaque. The transparent segment held the largest market share in 2023 and is the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period i.e., 2023 -2032.

Appearance provides advantages and disadvantages, and on the basis of this, the growth of the appearance segment is driving. Transparent capsules have a visual appeal and provide quality control; further, the opaque capsule protects ingredients and masks unpleasantness. Moreover, the disadvantage of a transparent capsule is that it can be used to fill the type of ingredient that is light sensitive, and an opaque capsule hinders the visual inspection of the contents. 

Empty Capsule Market Application Insights

Based on application, the global empty capsules market has been segmented into pharmaceutical and nutraceutical. The nutraceutical segment held the largest market in 2022 and is the fastest growing segment during the forecast period.

The demand for empty capsules among pharmaceuticals is high owing to bulk manufacturing of novel and cost-effective products. These capsules are widely used in oral, inhaled medicine, and over-the-counter products. Further, the rising sales of over-the-counter (OTC) products year by year shows that the demand for the same is increasing and increased demand is fueling the empty hard capsule growth. According to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, the sales of OTC products were 41,200, 37,700, and 36,800 million in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively in the US. Further, the pharmaceutical is segregated into antibiotic & antibacterial drugs, antacid & antiflatulent, anti-inflammatory drugs, and others. 

Empty Capsule Market Regional Insights

By region, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America accounted for the largest market in 2023, owing to the various factors contributing to the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. The market expansion can be attributed to the increasing demand for drug delivery solutions, coupled with the rising prevalence of chronic diseases in the region. Moreover, advancements in technology and manufacturing processes have led to new improvements in empty capsule production, enhancing the overall quality and efficiency of these pharmaceutical formulations. The development of innovative materials and the adoption of sophisticated encapsulation techniques have further bolstered the market's evolution. In March 2021, CapsCanada, a Lyfe GroupTM company, introduced a new liquid-filled hard capsule manufacturing service.

Further, the major countries studied are: The US, Canada, Brazil, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

FIGURE 3: EMPTY CAPSULE MARKET, BY REGION, 2023 & 2032 (USD BILLION)

 Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

The Europe Empty Capsules market accounted for USD 568.97 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.32% during the forecast period. Europe is further segmented into the Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, and Rest of the Europe.

The Europe empty capsules market is experiencing robust growth, driven by factors such as increasing pharmaceutical and nutraceutical activities, rising consumer awareness about preventive healthcare, and a growing aging population. Lonza had expanded its Capsugel offering with a titanium dioxide-free (TiO2-free) white hard gelatin capsule, meeting customers' evolving demand to meet new titanium dioxide-free requirements for foods in the European Union. The demand for empty capsules, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, is propelled by their advantages in delivering precise dosage and masking the taste of active ingredients. The Germany empty capsule market held the largest market share in 2023, and the UK empty capsule market is the fastest-growing market in the Europe region.

The Asia-pacific Empty Capsules market accounted for USD 893.55 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.28% during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is further segmented into the China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Rest of Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific empty capsules market is experiencing significant growth and is projected to continue an upward trajectory in the coming years. The market is being driven by various factors, such as the increasing demand for empty capsules in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. These capsules are widely used to encapsulate drugs, vitamins, and other dietary supplements, as they offer advantages like better drug bioavailability and improved patient compliance. Moreover, China empty capsule market held the largest market share in 2023, and Japan empty capsule market is the fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Empty Capsule Market Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

The Empty Capsule Market is distinguished by the presence of numerous regional and local players catering to empty capsule products that are evolving at a rapid pace. Furthermore, the growth in the pharmaceutical industry worldwide, growing demand for nutraceuticals, and advancements in capsule technology is further driving the growth of Empty Capsule Market during the forecast period. The major competitors have adopted a strategy of obtaining regulatory approval from government agencies for their products and signing contracts and agreements to broaden their reach and reduce operational costs. For instance, in August 2021, Qualicaps Europe, S.A.U. expands its footprint throughout the region of South Asia. As a result of this expansion, the company is well-equipped to maintain its high standards of performance, functionality, and quality in these integrated regions: flexibility to meet unique customer needs, cooperation in the scientific, technical, and service aspects of the capsule delivery form, and high-quality products.

Qualicaps is a manufacturer and distributor of pharmaceutical processing equipment as well as empty capsules. The company produces and distributes two-piece capsules, equipment for filling and sealing capsules, and soft gel liquid filling machinery. Equipment from Qualicaps includes automatic capsule filling machines, band-sealing capsules, imprinting equipment, and inspection equipment. With the acquisition of Genix, the only empty hard capsule supplier with a manufacturing site in Brazil, the company currently has production facilities and account teams in the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe (Spain and Romania), and Brazil. Moreover, in August 2021, Qualicaps Europe, S.A.U. expands its footprint throughout the region of South Asia. As a result of this expansion, the company is well-equipped to maintain its high standards of performance, functionality, and quality in these integrated regions: flexibility to meet unique customer needs, cooperation in the scientific, technical, and service aspects of the capsule delivery form, and high-quality products and services

Key Companies in the Empty Capsule Market include

• Lonza (Switzerland)


• CapsCanada (Canada)


• Roxlor (US)


• Goerlich Pharma GmbH (Germany)


• Hunan Er-Kang Pharmaceutical Ltd. (China)


• Shanxi Guangsheng Medicinal Capsule Co., Ltd (China)


• Bright Pharma Caps Inc (US)


• ACG (India)


• Sunil Healthcare Limited (India)


• Qualicaps (Japan)

Pharmaceutical Excipients Industry Developments

May 2023: Hunan Er-Kang Pharma has announced to invest 80.99 million to produce drug capsules.

May 2022: Lonza expanded its Capsugel offering with a titanium dioxide-free (TiO2-free) white hard gelatin capsule, meeting changing customer demand to meet new titanium dioxide-free requirements for foods in the European Union.

August 2021: Qualicaps Europe, S.A.U. expands its footprint throughout the region of South Asia. As a result of this expansion, the company is well-equipped to maintain its high standards of performance, functionality, and quality in these integrated regions: flexibility to meet unique customer needs, cooperation in the scientific, technical, and service aspects of the capsule delivery form, and high-quality products and services.

Empty Capsule Market Segmentation

Empty Capsule Market Type Outlook

• Gelatin Capsules


• Porcine Gelatin


• Bovine Gelatin


• Skin Gelatin


• Bone Gelatin


• Vegetarian Capsules


• Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)


• Pullulan & Starch

Empty Capsule Market Functionality Outlook

• Fast-release Capsules


• Slow-release Capsules

Empty Capsule Market Physical Characteristics Outlook

• Halal


• Non-Halal

Empty Capsule Market Form Outlook

• Hard Capsules


• Soft Capsules

Empty Capsule Market Appearance Outlook

• Transparent


• Opaque

Empty Capsule Market Application Outlook

• Pharmaceutical


• Antibiotic & Antibacterial Drugs


• Antacid & Antiflatulent


• Anti-inflammatory drugs


• Others


• Nutraceutical

Empty Capsule Market Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  • Mexico
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • South America