Empty Capsules are two-piece shells used for encapsulation of powder, granules, and semi-solids during pharmaceutical production. These capsules provide precise dosing, accurate fill weight, high bioavailability, and easier swallowing when compared to tablets. The growing pharmaceutical industry and increasing generic drug production across the world has boosted the demand for empty capsules. The empty capsules market is estimated to be valued at US$2.3 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.9% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030.

Key Takeaways

Key players operating in the empty capsules market are ACG Worldwide, Capsugel, Qualicaps Inc., Bright Pharma Caps Inc., Sunil Healthcare Ltd., CapsCanada Corporation, Roxlor LLC, Snail Pharma Industry Co. Ltd., Suheung Co. Ltd., and Medi-Caps Ltd. These companies collectively account for over 50% of the global empty capsules market share.

The empty capsules market offers lucrative opportunities such as expanding into emerging economies, new product development, and strategic collaborations. Asia Pacific offers highest growth potential owing to increasing generic drug production and consumption in countries like India and China.

Key players in the empty capsules market are focusing on global expansion through establishing new manufacturing plants in high growth regions. For instance, Qualicaps expanded its operations in China with a new plant in Nantong. Capsugel also invested in a new facility in Israel to meet the growing European demand.

Market Drivers
Growing pharmaceutical industry
Growing preference for capsules over tablets
Rising generic drug production
Increasing incidence of lifestyle diseases

Market Restraints
Availability of alternative drug delivery formats
Stringent regulatory guidelines for pharmaceutical production
High reliance on China for raw material supply

Segment Analysis
Gelatin capsules segment dominates the empty capsules market currently. Gelatin capsules are the most widely used capsules globally due to their inertness, easy swallowability, and cost effectiveness. They can accommodate a variety of pharmaceutical formulations and enable controlled or sustained release of active ingredients. Gelatin provides strength and excellent barrier properties for protection of drugs from environmental factors like moisture and oxygen.

Vegetarian capsules segment is growing at a moderate rate in the empty capsules market. Rise in consumer preference for plant-based products and increasing vegan population has prompted capsules manufacturers to offer vegetarian options. Vegetarian capsules are made from plant-derived hypromellose and avoid use of animal products like gelatin. They are suitable for consumers who wish to avoid animal byproducts in medicines for dietary or religious reasons.

Global Analysis

North America dominates the global empty capsules market currently owing to presence of major capsule manufacturers and favorable healthcare industry growth in the region. Growing requirement of dietary supplements and biological products has augmented empty capsules demand in North America.

Asia Pacific region is poised to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period in the empty capsules market. Rising geriatric population, increasing access to healthcare, and growing consumer health consciousness have boosted the demand for empty capsules in Asia Pacific countries. India and China represent lucrative opportunities for capsule manufacturers due to their large population size and pharmaceutical industry expansion.

About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191