Non-Gelatin Empty Capsules Market Key Players and Opportunities by 2030

[Research Report] The non-gelatin empty capsules market size is projected to surge from US$ 2.33 billion in 2022 to US$ 4.64 billion by 2030; the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.0% during 2022–2030.

Analyst Perspective:

The report includes growth prospects owing to the current non-gelatin empty capsules market trends and their foreseeable impact during the forecast period. In recent years, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical companies have created a huge demand for non-gelatin empty capsules due to growing awareness of vegetarian capsule options. Key trends in the market include product innovations such as enteric-coated capsules, chlorophyll capsules, and capsules with improved stability and bioavailability.

Drug manufacturers focus on procuring sustainable raw materials and implementing eco-friendly production techniques to meet increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Product innovations and sustainable manufacturing practices are important trends shaping the market. Thus, the non-gelatin empty capsules market is expected to grow considerably due to the burgeoning demand for vegetarian and vegan products and increasing regulatory support. However, the limited accessibility of raw materials and racial and dietary restrictions also hamper the non-gelatin empty capsules market growth.

Market Overview:

Non-gelatin empty capsules are widely used in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries as an alternative to gelatin capsules. These capsules are made from plant cellulose or starch derivatives, making them suitable for people with dietary restraints or religious beliefs that forbid the consumption of gelatin. Key factors driving the non-gelatin empty capsules market growth include the rising demand for vegetarian products, and the increasing awareness of the drawbacks of gelatin-based capsules. Furthermore, the growing preference for natural and organic products and the increasing involvement of regulators in promoting non-animal products are expected to have a significant impact on the non-gelatin empty capsules market forecast in the coming years.

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Non-Gelatin Empty Capsules Market: Strategic Insights

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Market Driver:

Growing Use of HPMC Empty Capsules in Pharmaceutical Industry Propels Market Growth

The use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules is resulting in the expansion of the pharmaceutical industry. HPMC empty capsules play a critical role in drug delivery. HPMC capsules are extremely adaptable, which underlines their suitability with specific drug development needs. They are available in different sizes and can be easily filled with API dosages, making them versatile. This adaptability is particularly useful in the highly competitive pharmaceutical industry, where the product's appearance and brand influence consumer perceptions.

The use of HPMC empty capsules for pharmaceutical purposes has been approved by regulatory authorities such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This regulatory approval simplifies the process of approval of new drug formulations, saving time and money for pharmaceutical companies.

In addition, HPMC empty capsules meet the growing market for clean-label goods and medications, which renders them apt for vegetarians or vegans. This consideration is essential for pharmaceutical companies aiming to meet the diverse needs of their customers. The outstanding performance properties of HPMC empty capsules further benefit the pharmaceutical industry. Due to their greater stability, these capsules protect the medicine they contain from contaminants such as air and moisture. A longer shelf life is essential for pharmaceutical companies because it guarantees the sustained effectiveness and safety of medications over a long period. In addition, HPMC empty capsules have good dissolution properties, which can increase the bioavailability of some drugs and lead to more successful treatment results. Such properties of HPMC bolster the demand for non-gelatin empty capsules.

Segmental Analysis:

The non-gelatin empty capsules market analysis has been carried out by considering the following segments: type, application, and end user.

Based on type, the non-gelatin empty capsules market is segmented into HPMC capsules and pullulan capsules. The HPMC capsules segment held a larger market share in 2022. The pullulan capsules segment is estimated to register a higher CAGR of 9.9% during 2022–2030. The growing concerns about allergies to animal products have fueled the demand for non-gelatin capsules. HPMC capsules are derived from plant cellulose and offer excellent stability and flexibility. Filling drugs in vegetable capsules results in an attractive, completely natural dosage form with advantages such as ease of swallowing, effective masking of taste and smell, and product visibility. These capsules are also starch-free, gluten-free, and preservative-free, meeting the strict nutritional needs of customers who choose a vegetarian lifestyle. Furthermore, the growing vegan and vegetarian populations prefer plant-based alternatives, such as HPMC capsules.

The market, based on application, is divided into antibiotics and antibacterial drugs, vitamins and dietary supplements, antacids and antiflatulent preparations, and others. The antibiotics and antibacterial drugs segment held the largest non-gelatin empty capsules market share in 2022. The market for the vitamins and dietary supplements segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 9.9% during 2022–2030. The increasing cases of infectious diseases, growing demand for antibiotics in low- and middle-income countries, and surging investments in research and development by major pharmaceutical companies are the key factors bolstering the demand for non-gelatin empty capsules in antibiotics and antibacterial manufacturing and packaging facilities.

The non-gelatin empty capsules are employed for the encapsulation of medications and nutritional supplements in the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring precise dosage and controlled release. Further, the growth of the market for the vitamins and supplements segment is attributed to a burgeoning demand for therapeutic drugs and the rising popularity of nutritional supplements for better health outcomes. The supplement industry encapsulates vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts for easy consumption, targeted delivery, and improved effectiveness.

Based on end user, the non-gelatin empty capsules market is divided into the pharmaceutical industry, nutraceutical industry, cosmetics industry, and research laboratories. The pharmaceutical industry segment held the largest non-gelatin empty capsules market share in 2022. The same is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 9.4% during 2022–2030. HPMC capsules have received approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), among other regulatory authorities, for use in pharmaceutical purposes. Regulatory compliance is a top priority for pharmaceutical companies to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their products. The acceptance of HPMC capsules by these organizations simplifies the approval process for new drug formulations and provides some guarantee of the safety of the final product. Thus, the expansion of the pharmaceutical industry with the burgeoning demand for vegan and vegetarian medication among people contributes to the growth of the non-gelatin empty capsules market.

Regional Analysis:

The geographic scope of the non-gelatin empty capsules market report includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America. The market in North America was valued at US$ 0.63 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 1.28 billion by 2030; it is expected to register a CAGR of 9.2% during 2022–2030. The North America non-gelatin empty capsules market is segmented into the US, Canada, and Mexico. One of the key factors driving the market growth in this region is the increasing acceptance of vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. As a result, there is a growing demand for herbal alternatives across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements. Non-gelatin empty capsules are a popular choice for the encapsulation of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements as they provide a convenient and effective way to deliver active ingredients into the body. The US has an established market for nutraceuticals. The main dietary supplements consumed in the country include multivitamins, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and omega-3 fatty acids. The consumption of these supplements is driven by the aging population, which is more concerned about healthy aging than its predecessors. Moreover, the demand for dietary supplements to prevent age-related diseases would positively impact the non-gelatin empty capsules market in North America.

The Asia Pacific market is expected to record the fastest CAGR in the global non-gelatin empty capsules market. The region, especially with countries such as India and China, is home to a sizable pharmaceutical industry. China is a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub. The projected market growth in this region is attributed to the availability of highly functional manufacturing units and contract manufacturing facilities in the region. In addition, the introduction of strategies by the healthcare systems to implement preventive measures for positive treatment outcomes prompts the growth of the non-gelatin empty capsules market in China. Further, the cultural beliefs of most of the population in India and other countries indicate a high inclination toward non-gelatin capsules.

Non-Gelatin Empty Capsules Market Regional Insights

The regional trends and factors influencing the Non-Gelatin Empty Capsules Market throughout the forecast period have been thoroughly explained by the analysts at The Insight Partners. This section also discusses Non-Gelatin Empty Capsules Market segments and geography across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America.

Non-Gelatin Empty Capsules Market Report Scope

Non-Gelatin Empty Capsules Market Players Density: Understanding Its Impact on Business Dynamics

The Non-Gelatin Empty Capsules Market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing end-user demand due to factors such as evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and greater awareness of the product's benefits. As demand rises, businesses are expanding their offerings, innovating to meet consumer needs, and capitalizing on emerging trends, which further fuels market growth.

Market players density refers to the distribution of firms or companies operating within a particular market or industry. It indicates how many competitors (market players) are present in a given market space relative to its size or total market value.

Major Companies operating in the Non-Gelatin Empty Capsules Market are:

1. LonzaGroup (Capsugel)
2. Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation (Qualicaps, Inc.)
3. Erawat Pharma Limited
4. ACG Worldwide
5. Suheung Capsule

Disclaimer: The companies listed above are not ranked in any particular order.

Key Player Analysis:

LonzaGroup (Capsugel), Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation (Qualicaps, Inc.), Erawat Pharma Limited, ACG Worldwide, Suheung Capsule, Sunil Healthcare, CapsCanada Corporation, BrightCaps GmbH, Natural Capsules Limited, and Healthcaps India Limited are among the key players profiled in the non-gelatin empty capsules market report.

Recent Developments: 

Companies operating in the non-gelatin empty capsules market adopt mergers and acquisitions as key growth strategies. A few of the recent market developments are listed below:

• In March 2023, VANTAGE NUTRITION, an ACG company, acquired ComboCap, Inc. (US) and BioCap (South Africa) to strengthen its technological expertise and expand its footprint in North America and across the world.
• In January 2022, Xi'an Le-Nutra Ingredients Inc. shipped 8.0 million HPMC capsules to Latvia, Europe. These capsules were devoid of titanium dioxide (TiO2), as the European Commission had banned the use of TiO2 in food additives. This highlights the company's efforts to meet demand for products with particular regulatory specifications in the region.