Market Overview

The global empty capsules market was valued at USD 3.26 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.67 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.28% during the forecast period of 2025-2033. This growth is driven by the rising demand for encapsulated dietary supplements, advancements in capsule technology including vegetarian and plant-based options, and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases requiring capsule-based drug delivery systems. North America is the leading market, holding more than 34.5% share in 2024.

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2024
• Historical Year/Period: 2019-2024
• Forecast Year/Period: 2025-2033

Empty Capsules Market Key Takeaways

• The global market size was USD 3.26 Billion in 2024.
• The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.28% from 2025-2033.
• The forecast period spans 2025-2033.
• North America dominated the market with over 34.5% share in 2024.
• Rising popularity of capsule-in-capsule technology enhances patient gastrointestinal safety.
• The pharmaceutical sector, especially in the US, is the largest consumer, holding 85.90% of the overall market share.
• Increasing demand for vegetarian and plant-based capsules caters to health-conscious and vegan consumers.
• Strategic expansions, such as Lonza’s increase to 30 billion capsules per year, highlight market growth.

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Market Growth Factors

Growing demand for encapsulated dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products is a primary driver of the empty capsules market. Health awareness and widespread nutraceutical use have significantly increased the demand for both gelatin and non-gelatin capsules. The rising incidence of chronic diseases has further propelled the use of capsule-based drug delivery systems offering better bioavailability and patient compliance. Emerging markets’ pharmaceutical industry expansion and increasing self-medication trends also contribute to market growth.

The aging global population susceptible to chronic conditions is driving the demand for therapeutically effective medicines in capsule form. According to WHO, the population aged 80 or older is set to triple by 2050 to approximately 426 million. In the US, the 65+ population is projected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060. Cardiovascular diseases remain highly prevalent; WHO reported 17.9 million annual deaths in 2019, expected to exceed 23.6 million by 2030. These demographic trends bolster cardiovascular therapy drug use, positively impacting the empty capsules market.

Innovation in encapsulation solutions is a significant market growth factor. The pharmaceutical drug delivery market was valued at USD 1,465.2 Billion in 2024. Industry leaders like Capsugel with over 20 years of experience provide hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose capsules for inhalation and oral use. ACG’s ACGcaps NTone offers natural coloring from edible sources for health-conscious consumers. Increasing regulatory approvals from EMA and FDA simplify formulation processes, creating opportunities. Examples include Qualicaps expanding in Middle East and Africa and Dr. Reddy’s FDA approval for generic penicillamine capsules.

The adoption of dietary supplements, especially nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals preferring capsule forms, drives market demand. The global nutraceutical market reached USD 468.5 Billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% to USD 856.3 Billion by 2032. Innovations like ACG’s two-compartment capsules enable combining liquid and powder ingredients. Dietary Supplements Label Database shows approximately 50,000 supplement products with over 17,000 as capsules, holding a 34% share among dosage forms, further propelling demand.

Market Segmentation

By Type:

• Gelatin Capsule: Largest segment with 73.4% share in 2024, popular for ease of use, versatility, and ability to mask unpleasant tastes. Available as hard and soft gelatin capsules suitable for various formulations. Companies like Suheung optimize stability with products like EMBO CAPS. Vivion introduced a wide range of empty gelatin capsules in 2023.
• Non-gelatin Capsule

By Raw Material:

• Pig Meat: Dominates with 30.5% market share in 2024. Pork-derived gelatin has excellent gelling properties, consistent quality, and cost-effectiveness. Capsugel uses pork-derived gelatin. About 85% of gelatin used in pharma is pork-derived (2021 report).
• Bovine Meat
• Bone
• Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)
• Others

By Functionality:

• Immediate-release Capsules: Majority segment with 50.2% share in 2024. These capsules dissolve quickly for rapid therapeutic effect. ACG launched ACGcaps IR in 2022, while Capsugel launched Vcaps Plus in 2023, both focused on immediate-release properties.
• Sustained-release Capsules
• Delayed-release Capsules

By Therapeutic Application:

• Antibiotic and Antibacterial Drugs: Capsules improve compliance and controlled dosage.
• Vitamins and Dietary Supplements: Driven by health and wellness trend.
• Antacid and Antiflatulent Preparations: Capsules deliver fast relief and mask unpleasant tastes.
• Cardiovascular Therapy Drugs: Capsules facilitate stable plasma concentrations and better compliance.
• Others

By End User:

• Pharmaceutical Industry: Largest segment with 37.6% share in 2024. Driven by demand for patient-friendly delivery, controlled-release formulations, and novel drug developments. Lonza and Qualicaps are key contributors.
• Nutraceutical Industry
• Cosmetics Industry
• Others

Regional Insights

North America is the dominant region with over 34.5% market share in 2024. The region benefits from the rising geriatric population, increasing chronic disease cases, and high demand for capsule-based nutraceutical formulations. In the US, the 65+ population is expected to nearly double to 95 million by 2060. About 77% of Americans used dietary supplements in 2019, with vitamins and minerals as leading groups. Canada's advanced healthcare systems drive R&D investments, further boosting regional market growth.

Recent Developments & News

• September 2024: Evonik developed EUDRACAP® pre-locked capsules coated with EUDRAGIT®, offering up to 4 hours acid resistance, protecting active ingredients and supporting regulatory excellence.
• May 2024: Roquette launched LYCAGEL® Flex hydroxypropyl pea starch premix for softgel capsules, enhancing quality, stability, and performance in plant-based products.
• February 2023: Vivion introduced a range of empty gelatin, HPMC, and pullulan capsules to support nutraceutical manufacturers.
• December 2023: Rousselot received U.S. Patent for StabiCaps™ gelatin improving empty softgel capsules’ stability and received a European patent.
• November 2021: ACG signed an MoU with Maharashtra government to establish Asia’s largest manufacturing plant and R&D center 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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