Empty Capsules Market Size – By Type (Gelatin, Vegetarian Capsules), Source (Porcine Gelatin, Bovine Derived Gelatin, Bone Meal, Starch Materials & Pullulan), Functionality, Capsule Size, Application, End-user & Global Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Empty Capsules Market Size

Empty Capsules Market size generated more than USD 3 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to register more than 7.7% CAGR between 2024 and 2032, driven by the increasing popularity of dietary supplements and the rise in strategic collaboration between players. With the rising prevalence of chronic diseases along with the growing geriatric population, there has been a strong need for various medications. To that end, the surge in demand for capsule intake will drive the market growth.

Empty capsules are pharmaceutical dosage forms utilized to encapsulate powdered or granular materials. These are transparent or translucent, allowing easy visibility of the encapsulated material. Rising preference for accessibility in several sizes, colour, and compositions to suit different formulation needs will push the industry growth.

However, the rising costs of raw materials for producing empty capsules along with the growing challenges for manufacturers to maintain competitive pricing may impede the product demand to some extent. With the pharma and nutraceutical industries subjected to rigorous regulatory standards, there is a greater need to ensure the safety and efficacy of products. The compliance with these regulations involves substantial time and financial investment, further complicating the manufacturing process with increased costs.
 

Empty Capsules Market Trends

The growing shift of consumers towards preventive health care and wellbeing, leading to increased use of supplements and vitamins is another factor impacting the product uptake. Many individuals include these supplements in their daily routine to maintain overall health and prevent specific nutrient deficiencies. Empty capsules offer a convenient and easy-to-use dosage form. They allow customers to customize their menu by combining different ingredients in one formula, making it easier for them to monitor their intake and adhere to the recommended amount, further driving the market growth.  

Empty Capsules Market Analysis

Based on type, the gelatin-based capsules segment in the market will generate over USD 3.5 billion by the end of 2032. Rising adoption of gelatin capsule technology is leading to the development of capsules with improved properties, such as stability, disintegration and water resistance. These advances are helping to address the specific challenges in formulation and distribution faced by the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies. Of late, the growing popularity of nutritional supplements is driving the sales of hardened gelatin as it is commonly used to hold vitamins, minerals, vegetable extracts and other nutrients.
 

Based on source, the market size from the porcine gelatin segment generated USD 953.7 million in 2023 and will witness 7.9% CAGR through 2032. Traditionally, porcine-derived gelatin is a widely used ingredient, derived from the skin and bones of pigs. The National Health Service (NHS) indicates that the inclusion of pig-based products in vaccines and various implants will be a key driver for the segment growth. Also, porcine gelatin helps in maintaining the efficacy and safety of products, specifically during storage and post-storage periods.
 

Based on functionality, the immediate-release segment in the empty capsules market is expected to generate over USD 2.5 billion by 2032. Immediate-release empty vials are commonly used in the manufacture of over the counter (OTC) drugs, including pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, and dietary supplements. The rising consumer preference for convenience and stimulation is driving the demand for immediate release empty implants. The strong ability to facilitate the rapid delivery of medications that need to be delivered into the bloodstream for meeting the needs of patients who need rapid relief from symptoms will favor the segment growth. 
 

Based on capsule size, the empty capsules market is bifurcated into Size "000", Size "00", Size "0", Size "1", Size "2", Size "3", Size "4", Size "5". The Size "0" segment was valued at USD 650.4 million in 2023 and may register 8.4% CAGR up to 2032. Size 0 empty capsules are commonly used in clinical trials for drug development due to their versatility and ease of use. Pharmaceutical companies conducting clinical trials also typically require multiple empty 0-size test tubes to be administered to trial participants. Moreover, consumers prefer smaller capsules that are easier to swallow, contributing to the demand for empty size 0 capsules in the nutraceutical industry. 
 

Based on application, the antibiotic and antibacterial drugs segment may record over USD 1.8 billion by 2032. Antibiotics are usually administered orally and are preferred due to the ease of administration of the patch, patient compliance, and manufactured drugs given the firmness. This preference for oral dosage forms is driving the demand for empty capsules for antibiotics and antibacterial drugs. In addition, developing regions are witnessing an expansion of health care, leading to improved health services. This subsequent need for pharmaceuticals will increase the product adoption as a drug delivery system.
 

Based on end-user, the empty capsules market from the pharmaceuticals industry segment is expected to generate over USD 2.6 billion by 2032. The pharmaceutical sector is witnessing advances in capsule manufacturing technology, leading to productivity improvements, increased product quality and reduced manufacturing costs. These developments are attracting pharmaceutical companies to invest in empty implants. Pharmaceutical companies are also increasing their investments in R&D activities to develop new drugs and new formulations. This shift is expected to drive the product demand as they are required for incorporation into new drug formulations.
 

North America empty capsules market generated over USD 1.1 billion in 2023 and is expected reach over USD 2.2 billion by 2032. The growth will be supported by the growing availability of capsule supplements and high consumption of these supplements, driven by their ability to prevent major health issues, such as cancer, obesity, and arthritis. Furthermore, capsules have emerged as a strong preferred method of oral administration, contributing to the demand for empty capsules in the regional nutrition industry.  The presence of a sophisticated and organized health care system that encourages R&D programs for facilitating the entry of international players into these countries will also favor the product uptake.
 

Empty Capsules Market Share

Key market players are engaging in strategic initiatives, such as mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations to strengthen their product portfolios. To meet the growing demand for effective empty capsules, these companies are actively developing a multifaceted approach.
 

Empty Capsules Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the empty capsules industry are:

• ACG
• Seoheung Co., Ltd
• Bright Pharma Caps Inc.
• Qingdao Yiqing Biotechnology Co., Ltd
• Nectar Lifesciences Ltd. 
• CapsCanada Corporation
• Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation
• Erawat Pharma Limited
• Medi-Caps Ltd.
• HealthCaps India
• Lonza Group
   

Empty Capsules Industry News

• In November 2023, CapsCanada Corporation gained an investment of USD 5 million from FedDev Ontario. This investment aided the company to expand its facility and diversify its empty capsule manufacturing.  
   

In February 2023, Vivion, Inc., Operio Group’s brand and global provider of ingredient solutions for everyday applications, launched its new product line of empty gelatin, HPMC and pullulan capsules.
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This empty capsules market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2018 - 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Gelatin based capsules
  • Hard capsules
  • Soft capsules
• Vegetarian capsules

Market, By Source

• Porcine gelatin
• Bovine derived gelatin
• Bone meal
• Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC)
• Starch materials & pullulan

Market, By Functionality

• Immediate release
• Sustained release
• Delayed release

Market, By Capsule Size

• Size "000"
• Size "00"
• Size "0"
• Size "1"
• Size "2"
• Size "3"
• Size "4"
• Size "5"

Market, By Application

• Antibiotic and antibacterial drugs
• Vitamins and dietary supplements
• Antacid and antiflatulent preparations
• Cardiovascular therapy drugs
• Other therapeutic applications

Market, By End-user

• Pharmaceuticals industry
• Nutraceuticals industry
• Cosmetics industry
• Research laboratories

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

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa