Empty Capsules Market Size – By Type, By Functionality, By Application, By End Use & Global Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Empty Capsules Market Size

The empty capsules market was valued at USD 3.1 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2032. The rising demand for dietary supplements and nutraceuticals, driven by increasing health awareness and preventive healthcare trends, has significantly boosted capsule consumption. Additionally, the pharmaceutical industry is increasingly favoring capsule formulations for their ease of swallowing, taste-masking capabilities, and potential for controlled release, leading to a preference over traditional tablet forms.

Empty capsules are pharmaceutical containers made primarily from gelatin or other polymers, designed to be filled with various substances such as powders, granules, and liquids. These capsules offer an efficient means of delivering medication, providing advantages such as masking unpleasant tastes and enabling controlled release of active ingredients. Empty capsules are available in various types, with the choice of capsule type and material often based on desired release profiles, stability, and compatibility with the encapsulated substance.
 

Empty Capsules Market Trends

The rising preference for capsule-based dosage forms is a significant driver of the empty capsules industry, as these formulations offer numerous advantages over traditional tablet forms.
 

• Capsules are favored for their ease of swallowing, which is especially beneficial for patients who may have difficulty with tablets, such as the elderly or children.
   
• Additionally, capsules can mask unpleasant tastes and odors, enhancing patient compliance and satisfaction. They also allow for the delivery of a wide range of active ingredients, including powders, granules, and even liquids, providing greater formulation flexibility.
   
• The growing trend toward the adoption of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements further drives demand for empty capsules, as manufacturers seek versatile dosage forms that can cater to individual health needs and preferences.
   

Furthermore, advancements in capsule technology, such as the development of vegetarian and gelatin capsules, align with the rising consumer demand for clean-label products, making capsules an increasingly popular choice in the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries.
 

Empty Capsules Market Analysis

Based on type, the market is segmented into gelatin and non-gelatin.  The gelation segment is further categorized into porcine gelatin, bovine derived, bone meal, and other gelatin capsule types. The gelatin segment dominated the market and is expected to grow at 6.5% CAGR up to 2032.
 

• The dominance of this segment is attributed to its extensive use in the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries.
   
• Gelatin capsules are preferred for their ability to provide an effective barrier against moisture and oxygen, ensuring the stability and integrity of sensitive ingredients. Their bioavailability and ease of digestion make them a top choice for manufacturers aiming to enhance product efficacy.
   
• Moreover, the versatility of gelatin, which can be derived from various animal sources, allows for customization in formulation, catering to diverse consumer needs.
   
• Consequently, as demand for capsules continues to grow, driven by the trend toward encapsulated supplements and pharmaceuticals, the gelatin segment is expected to maintain its leading position in the empty capsules business.
   

Based on functionality, the global market is categorized into immediate release, sustained release, and delayed release. The immediate release segment accounted for the highest market share of 62% in 2023.
 

• The immediate release segment of the empty capsules market holds a significant market share, fueled by increasing demand for fast-acting pharmaceutical formulations and dietary supplements.
   
• Immediate release capsules are popular for their rapid dissolution in the gastrointestinal tract, enabling quick absorption of active ingredients. This feature is particularly valued in the pharmaceutical industry, where timely therapeutic effects are essential for patient outcomes.
   
• Furthermore, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the trend of self-medication have further elevated demand for immediate release formulations.
   

Based on the application, the global market is divided into antibiotic and antibacterial drugs, vitamins and dietary supplements, antacid and anti-flatulent preparations, anti-anemic preparations, anti-inflammatory drugs, cardiovascular therapy drugs, cough and cold drugs, and other applications. The vitamins and dietary supplements segment in 2023 accounted for the highest revenue of USD 1 billion.
 

• As individuals become more health-conscious, demand for vitamins and dietary supplements has surged, leading to a preference for convenient and easily consumable forms, such as capsules. Empty capsules, available in both gelatin and vegetarian options, offer an effective delivery method for these supplements, ensuring optimal absorption and bioavailability.
   
• Additionally, the rise in the aging population and the trend toward preventive healthcare contribute to this segment's growth, as consumers seek to improve their nutritional intake and overall well-being.
   
• Expanding e-commerce platforms have also made vitamins and dietary supplements more accessible, thereby boosting their consumption and reinforcing their strong position within the empty capsules market.
   

Based on end use, the market is bifurcated into pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and other end users. The pharmaceutical segment accounted for the highest market share and is projected to reach USD 3.4 billion by 2032.
 

• The pharmaceutical segment commands a significant revenue share within the empty capsules industry due to increasing demand for advanced drug delivery systems and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases.
   
• Empty capsules, especially those made from gelatin and vegetarian alternatives, are favored for their capacity to encapsulate various formulations, including powders, granules, and pellets. This versatility supports the development of personalized medicine and targeted therapies, which are gaining popularity within the pharmaceutical industry.
   
• Consequently, the pharmaceutical industry remains a key end user in the empty capsules industry.
   

In 2023, the U.S. held a significant position in the North American empty capsules market and is poised to continue its dominance throughout the forecast period, with a CAGR of 5.8%.
 

• The U.S. holds a significant market share in the North American empty capsules industry, driven by a combination of robust pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, increasing consumer demand for dietary supplements, and a growing trend toward personalized medicine.
   
• The U.S. market benefits from advanced manufacturing technologies and strict regulatory standards, ensuring high-quality products that meet consumer needs.
   
• Moreover, the rising popularity of vegetarian and gelatin capsules, coupled with innovations in capsule formulation, further enhances the market landscape.
   

India is experiencing a high growth rate in the empty capsules market.

• Factors such as the expanding pharmaceutical industry, increasing demand for nutraceuticals, and favorable government policies are propelling market growth.
   
• The country’s manufacturing capabilities, particularly in gelatin and non-gelatin capsule production, have positioned India as a key global supplier, catering to growing demands for both pharmaceutical and dietary supplement applications.
   
• Additionally, the government’s support for ‘Make in India’ initiatives, along with increasing investments in research and development, has strengthened India’s potential to capture a larger market share, further fueling growth in this sector.
   

Germany empty capsules market is expected to grow remarkable during the forecast period.
 

• As a leading hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and research within Europe, Germany has a strong focus on innovative drug delivery methods, which propels the demand for empty capsules in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
   
• Furthermore, a growing elderly population in Germany fuels demand for easily ingestible dosage forms, as capsules are preferred for their convenience and controlled release capabilities.
   
• Moreover, the country's stringent regulatory framework supports the development of high-quality products, making it an attractive market for both domestic and international companies investing in capsule manufacturing. These factors contribute to Germany’s high growth trajectory in the empty capsules sector.
   

Brazil empty capsules market is projected to witness growth in coming years.
 

• This market's growth is driven by the expansion of the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, along with increased consumer demand for dietary supplements in the country.
   
• With a large population base and growing middle-class income levels, Brazil has seen a surge in demand for over-the-counter medications, nutraceuticals, and personalized supplements, each of which utilizes empty capsules for easier consumption and effective delivery.
   
• Furthermore, Brazil’s favorable regulatory policies supporting capsule-based drug manufacturing, combined with the government’s initiatives to strengthen local pharmaceutical production, are expected to bolster market growth.
   

Saudi Arabia is anticipated to grow in the Middle East and African empty capsules market.
 

• Saudi Arabia shows high growth potential in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) market due to a combination of government initiatives. For instance, the Saudi government’s Vision 2030 plan prioritizes healthcare expansion and the development of the pharmaceutical industry, encouraging investments and collaborations that strengthen the local market.
   
• Additionally, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases has driven demand for innovative drug delivery systems, where empty capsules offer flexible solutions for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations.
   
• A growing interest in personalized medicine and nutritional supplements further fuels the demand for empty capsules, making Saudi Arabia a focal point for manufacturers looking to capture the expanding MEA empty capsules industy.
   

Empty Capsules Market Share

The empty capsules industry is characterized by a mix of global and regional players focusing on innovation, quality, and strategic partnerships. Major players like Capsugel (Lonza) and ACG Group lead the market, driven by their extensive product portfolios, advanced manufacturing facilities, and consistent R&D investments. Smaller regional players are also contributing significantly by catering to niche markets and providing customized products to meet specific client needs. Additionally, partnerships and acquisitions play a crucial role as companies aim to expand their geographic reach and diversify product lines.

Empty Capsules Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the empty capsules industry include:

• ACG
• BioCaps Enterprise
• Bright Pharma Caps
• CapsCanada Corporation
• Chemcaps Limited
• Fortcaps Healthcare
• HealthCaps India
• Lonza Group
• Medi-Caps
• Nectar Lifesciences
• Qualicaps
• Shanxi JC Biological Technology
• Suheung
• Sunil Healthcare
   

Empty Capsules Industry News

• In June 2024, Lonza announced the launch of its Capsugel Enprotect Size 9 capsule, specifically designed to enhance the pre-clinical development of acid-sensitive drugs. This helped the company strengthen its competitive edge in the market.
   
• In December 2023, ACG invested around USD 6 billion to set up a greenfield project for cellulose capsule raw material in Maharashtra, India. This facility is set to be the world's largest vegetarian capsule manufacturing unit, leveraging advanced technology to produce Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules, which are a vegetarian alternative to traditional gelatin capsules. This helped the company increase its manufacturing capacity.
   

This empty capsules market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Gelatin
  • Porcine gelatin
  • Bovine derived
  • Bone meal
  • Other gelatin capsule types
• Non-gelatin
  • Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)
  • Pullulan & starch

Market, By Functionality

• Immediate release
• Sustained release
• Delayed release

Market, By Application

• Antibiotic and antibacterial drugs
• Vitamins and dietary supplements
• Antacid and anti-flatulent preparations
• Anti-anemic preparations
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Cardiovascular therapy drugs
• Cough and cold drugs
• Other applications

Market, By End Use

• Pharmaceutical
• Nutraceutical
• Other end users

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE