Market Overview

The global empty capsules market size reached USD 3.26 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 5.67 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.28% during the forecast period 2025-2033. North America dominates with over 34.5% market share in 2024, driven by advancements in capsule technology and healthcare. Growing demand for encapsulated dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals is fueling market growth.

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2024

• Historical Years: 2019-2024

• Forecast Period: 2025-2033

Empty Capsules Market Key Takeaways

• The global empty capsules market size was valued at USD 3.26 Billion in 2024.

• The market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.28% during 2025-2033.

• North America holds over 34.5% market share in 2024.

• The rising incidence of chronic diseases is driving demand for capsule-based drug delivery systems.

• Growing popularity of vegetarian and plant-based capsules caters to health-conscious and vegan consumers.

• The pharmaceutical industry remains the largest consumer, especially in the US with 85.90% market share.

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Market Growth Factors

Growing demand for encapsulated dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products is a primary driver for the empty capsules market. Increased health awareness combined with prevalent use of nutraceuticals has significantly raised demand for both gelatin and non-gelatin capsules. Technological advancements introducing vegetarian capsules cater specifically to health-conscious and vegan consumers, expanding the market further. Rising chronic disease incidence drives adoption of capsule-based drug delivery systems which offer better bioavailability and patient compliance. Expanding pharmaceutical sectors in emerging markets and rising self-medication trends also contribute positively to market growth.

The expanding geriatric population susceptible to chronic conditions escalates demand for therapeutically effective medicines in capsule form due to their ease of swallowing and faster dissolution times. WHO reports the population aged 80+ is expected to triple to approximately 426 million by 2050, while US population aged 65+ is projected to nearly double by 2060. Cardiovascular diseases, responsible for about 17.9 million deaths in 2019 globally, are expected to increase further, fueling demand for cardiovascular therapy drugs delivered via capsules. These demographic and health trends provide a robust growth outlook for the market.

The pharmaceutical industry's innovation in encapsulation solutions, including vegetarian and natural coloring capsules, is a significant market driver. Companies like Capsugel and ACG are developing hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) capsules and plant-based capsules tailored for pharmaceutical applications. Regulatory approvals from EMA and USFDA simplify new formulation development, presenting growth opportunities. The rising demand for capsule-based nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, reflected in the growing global nutraceuticals market valued at USD 468.5 Billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD 856.3 Billion by 2032, further propels market expansion.

Market Segmentation

By Type:

• Gelatin Capsule: Largest segment in 2024 with around 73.4% market share. Popular for their ease of use, versatility, and ability to mask unpleasant tastes. Available in hard and soft forms suitable for powdered, pellet, and liquid formulations. Manufacturers like Suheung optimize stability and quality with high-grade gelatin.

• Non-gelatin Capsule: Included but no specific market share provided.

By Raw Material:

• Pig Meat: Leads with 30.5% market share in 2024. Pork-derived gelatin is favored for consistent quality, strong flexible capsules, and cost-effective production. Approximately 85% of pharmaceutical gelatin is derived from pork.

• Bovine Meat: Listed without share details.

• Bone: Listed without share details.

• Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC): Used as plant-based alternative.

• Others: Included.

By Functionality:

• Immediate-release Capsules: Largest segment at 50.2% in 2024. Designed for rapid medication release, suitable for a wide range of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Innovations like ACGcaps IR and Capsugel Vcaps Plus enhance efficacy and patient compliance.

• Sustained-release Capsules: Listed.

• Delayed-release Capsules: Listed.

By Therapeutic Application:

• Antibiotic and Antibacterial Drugs: Capsules improve patient compliance and drug stability.

• Vitamins and Dietary Supplements: Large portion driven by health and wellness focus.

• Antacid and Antiflatulent Preparations: Benefit from fast-acting relief and taste masking.

• Cardiovascular Therapy Drugs: Capsules ensure proper delivery for chronic heart conditions, improving compliance.

• Others: Include pain management and hormonal therapies.

By End User:

• Pharmaceutical Industry: Largest segment with 37.6% in 2024. Driven by demand for patient-friendly delivery methods and compatible with a wide range of APIs. Companies like Lonza and Qualicaps develop capsules for novel drug formulations and high-potency drugs.

• Nutraceutical Industry: Included.

• Cosmetics Industry: Included.

• Others: Included.

Regional Insights

North America dominates the empty capsules market with more than 34.5% share in 2024. The region is driven by rising chronic diseases and an expanding geriatric population projected to nearly double to 95 million by 2060 in the US. Capsule-based nutraceuticals are also in rising demand, supported by 77% of Americans using dietary supplements in 2019. Canada's advanced healthcare system attracts R&D investments, fueling market growth throughout the forecast period.

Recent Developments & News

• September 2024: Evonik developed EUDRACAP® pre-locked capsules coated with EUDRAGIT® offering precise pH targeting and acid resistance up to four hours, protecting sensitive ingredients.

• May 2024: Roquette launched LYCAGEL® Flex, a hydroxypropyl pea starch premix for plant-based softgel capsules, enhancing quality and stability.

• February 2023: Vivion introduced a range of empty gelatin, HPMC, and pullulan capsules for nutraceuticals and medicines.

• December 2023: Rousselot received U.S. Patent for StabiCaps™, improving softgel capsule stability by addressing crosslinking.

• November 2021: ACG signed an MoU with Maharashtra Government to build Asia’s largest manufacturing plant producing 40 Billion capsules annually.

Key Players

• ACG

• Bright Pharma Caps Inc.

• Farmacápsulas

• HealthCaps India

• Hunan ErKang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd

• Lonza

• Medicaps Limited

• Nectar Lifesciences Ltd.

• Qualicaps

• Roxlor

• Sirio Pharma Co., Ltd.

• Suheung Co. Ltd

• Sunil Healthcare Limited

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