Empty Capsules Market is expected reach US$ 12.52 billion by 2030

Vitamin & Dietary Supplements Segment to Lead Empty Capsules Market During 2022–2030

According to our new research study on “Empty Capsules Market Forecast to 2028 – COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis – by Product, Functionality, Application, and End User,” the market size is expected to grow from US$ 6.75 billion in 2022 to US$ 12.52 billion by 2030; it is estimated to register a CAGR of 8.0% during 2022–2030. The empty capsules market growth is attributed to the flourishing nutraceutical and dietary supplement industries, and the continuously growing pharmaceuticals industry. A surge in demand for hard gelatin capsules is likely to provide growth opportunities for the market. However, the manufacturing complexities associated with empty capsules hinder market growth. Further, the limited accessibility of raw materials, stringency of regulatory regimes for gelatin manufacturers, and racial and dietary restrictions are a few more notable factors that limit the progress of the market.

Empty capsules are made of gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), pullulan, and starch. These capsules can also be used to fill formulations that are used to treat acute and chronic diseases, cancer, and common diseases such as cold and cough. They are also used to package nutritional supplement formulations, antacid and anti-flatulence medications, and personalized medicines. The empty capsules market report emphasizes the key factors impacting the market and showcases the developments of prominent players. The rising acceptance of capsules over other forms of drug delivery, strategic collaborations between empty capsule suppliers and gelatin manufacturers, the increasing number of R&D activities and clinical trials, and developments in capsule distribution methods are a few of the major factors that are expected to boost the empty capsules market in the future. In November 2019, Qualicaps, Inc. launched the hard capsule dosage form at the CPHI WORLDWIDE 2019 conference.

Empty Capsules Market, by Region, 2022 (%)

Source: The Insight Partners Analysis

Based on product, the empty capsules market is segmented into gelatin capsules and non-gelatin capsules. The gelatin capsules segment held a larger empty capsules market share in 2022. The non-gelatin capsules segment is expected to register a higher CAGR of 9.0% during 2022–2030. Based on end user, the market is segmented into the pharmaceutical industry, nutraceutical industry, cosmetics industry, and research laboratories. The pharmaceutical industry segment accounted for the largest empty capsules market share in 2022. The same segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 8.4% during 2022–2030. Due to various motives such as improved palatability and faster absorption, the capsules are the most common solid dosage forms. These empty capsules meet the pharmaceutical industry's highest needs for treating various chronic and infectious diseases. Furthermore, there are advancements in the pharmaceutical industry with increasing use of R&D, clinical research activities, and technological developments in capsule administration. Thus, the expansion of the pharmaceutical industry with the burgeoning demand for medication among people is expected to support the market growth of this segment during the forecast period.

The empty capsules market, based on functionality, has been segmented into immediate-release capsules, delayed-release capsules, and sustained-release capsules. The immediate-release capsules segment held a larger share in 2022. It is further expected to register a higher CAGR of 8.5% from 2022 to 2030.  The demand for immediate-release capsules is high in antacids and antibacterial antibiotic manufacturing and packaging facilities. According to an article published by Nitta Gelatin India in June 2022, therapeutics filled in immediate-release capsules are most commonly prescribed to treat various common diseases and disorders.

Technological Advancements to Bring New Trends in Market in Coming Years

Technological advancements have led to improvements in the manufacturing process and quality of empty capsules. The development of advanced capsule-filling machines has significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of the capsule-filling process. These machines can automatically fill large empty capsules with accurate quantities of powder or liquid formulations. They feature advanced control systems and mechanisms to ensure consistent filling, reduce waste, and increase production speed. Further, automated inspection systems detect defects or irregularities in empty capsules. These systems use optical sensors, cameras, and image analysis algorithms to inspect capsules for cracks, deformation, or contamination. The automated inspection process ensures the production of high-quality capsules and reduces the risk of defective products reaching the market. Such technologically advanced capsule filling and inspection machines enhance the efficiency of production and quality control, along with expanding the range of applications and improving the overall sustainability of the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. Thus, technological advancements in capsule production, filling, and inspection equipment are expected to lead to notable empty capsules market trends in the coming years.

Manufacturing, Packing, and Storage Complexities Associated with Uncontrolled Environmental Conditions Hinder Market Growth

The moisture content of empty gelatin capsules should be within the range of 13–16%, and if it falls below this limit, the capsules become brittle. On the other hand, they soften if the moisture content rises above the specified range. Empty HPMC capsules have a moisture content of 3–6%. These capsules can be dried to less than 1% moisture without losing their mechanical strength and becoming brittle. This variation can affect capsule strength and quality, regardless of the material used. Long-term storage of gelatin capsules at elevated temperature and humidity (e.g., 40°C, 75% relative humidity for 6 months) changes the gelatin composition because of the cross-linking between gelatin molecules. This lowers the solubility of the capsules, and in the worst case, the capsules become practically insoluble.

Fluctuations in relative humidity outside recommended values can cause hydrothermal contraction in gelatin films. If the relative humidity is too low, static electricity can build up in the production area. This causes the capsules to stick together, making their packaging difficult as the capsules are attracted to the plastics that are part of the production and packaging lines. Therefore, controlled atmospheric conditions are important in storage and packaging to achieve maximum product shelf life and desired quality levels. Such atmospheric requirements hamper empty capsules market growth.

Key players identified and evaluated for empty capsules market analysis include Erawat Pharma Limited, Sunil Healthcare, ACG Worldwide, Medi-Caps Ltd, LonzaGroup (Capsugel), Capscanada Corporation, Bright Pharma Caps Inc, Farmacapsulas, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation (Qualicaps, Inc.), and Roxlor LLC.

The empty capsules market, by product, is bifurcated into gelatin capsules and non-gelatin capsules. The market, by functionality, is segmented into immediate-release capsules, delayed-release capsules, and sustained-release capsules. The market, based on application, is divided into antibiotics and antibacterial drugs, vitamins and dietary supplements, antacids and antiflatulent preparations, and others. In terms of end user, the market is categorized into the pharmaceutical industry, nutraceutical industry, cosmetics industry, and research laboratories.

The scope of the empty capsules market report encompasses North America (US, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (France, Germany, UK, Spain, Italy, and Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Rest of Asia Pacific), the Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East & Africa), and South & Central America (Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of South & Central America). North America dominates the market. The empty capsules market size in North America was valued at US$ 1.83 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 3.45 billion by 2030; it is expected to register a CAGR of 8.3% during 2022–2030. Asia Pacific is expected to record the highest CAGR in the market. The projected market growth in this region is attributed to the increase in disposable income and burgeoning awareness of nutritional supplements among the masses.

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