Empty Capsules Market Size, Growth, Analysis & Forecast to 2030

Market Insights

• The global demand for empty capsules was valued at USD 3515.2 Million in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 7318.7 Million in 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.60% between 2023 and 2030.

• In 2022, the gelatin capsules segment led the empty capsules market, while the vegetable capsules (HPMC) category accounted for the second-largest share of revenue growth in the empty capsules Market.
• The pharmaceutical industry is predicted to have the biggest revenue share, while the beauty sector is expected to grow the fastest.
• Pharmaceutical companies are expected to lead the market in 2022, while the nutraceutical and dietary supplement segment is expected to grow at the quickest CAGR.
• Transparent capsules are very popular.
• The market for delayed-release capsules is the fastest growing.
• North America is expected to have the highest revenue share of more than 40% in 2022, with the Asia Pacific market growing at the fastest rate during the forecast period.
• Acquisition of competitor players as an expansion strategy, as well as the launch of new products, is propelling market growth.
• Inflationary raw material prices utilized in the manufacture of empty capsules are constraining market expansion.

Executive Summary

Market Definition

The empty capsules market refers to the industry that manufactures and sells empty capsules, which are often made of gelatin or vegetarian materials. These capsules are utilized in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries to encapsulate numerous drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Empty capsules are a convenient and effective way to give oral medications and dietary supplements to patients. Capsules of various sizes, colours, and varieties are available on the market to fulfill the diversified needs of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

Market Overview

It is anticipated that between 2023 and 2030, the worldwide Empty Capsules Market will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.60%. From USD 3515.2 million in 2022, the market is projected to be worth USD 7318.7 million by 2030.

Empty capsules are used to protect pharmaceutical medications, chemicals, and powders. Furthermore, the increased prevalence of infectious and viral disorders, as well as the increasing use of empty capsules in industries such as pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and research laboratories, are expected to drive demand for empty capsules. Furthermore, the rising number of R&D activities aimed at improving pharmaceutical industries, as well as rising government and public spending on healthcare, will drive the expansion of the empty capsules market in the approaching years.

Segmentation by Capsule Type

• The gelatincapsules segment led the empty capsules market in 2022, and this trend is likely to continue during the forecast period, owing to developments in healthcare R&D activities and the advantages of gelatin capsules over other drug delivery forms. Gelatin capsules have several advantages, including thermo-reversibility and tableting, non-allergenicity, viscoelasticity, and biocompatibility.
• In 2022, the Vegetable Capsules (HPMC) category accounted for the second majority of revenue growth in the Empty Capsules Market.

  Segmentation by Application

• The pharmaceutical industry is expected to have the highest revenue share. The expanding older population is more vulnerable to a wide range of ailments, creating a strong need for empty capsules in the coming years.
• The cosmetic sector segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the coming years. With changing lifestyles and increased disposable income, the populace is more likely to adopt skincare products, fueling category expansion. Another important aspect driving segment growth is growing expenditure on beauty items and cosmetics.

Segmentation by End Users

• In 2022, pharmaceutical companies dominated the market. The primary reason for the increasing number of patients is the increased disease prevalence in the general population. Most domestic pharmaceutical businesses concentrate on regulated markets since the demand for capsules with high quality and dissolve properties will increase as they become more popular in the regulated market.
• The nutraceutical and dietary supplement segment is predicted to develop at the fastest CAGR due to rising global demand for nutraceutical products.

Segmentation by Color and Transparency

• Transparent capsules are in high demand. Transparent capsules provide easy visual identification of the contents, which is especially crucial for drugs and supplements that must be evaluated visually.
• On the other hand, Opaque capsules are typically employed for items that require light protection or for formulations where the colour or look of the contents is unimportant.

Segmentation by Gastrointestinal Performance

• The delayed-release capsules market is the fastest expanding category. These capsules are engineered to release their contents at a precise time or location in the digestive system, ensuring optimal absorption and effectiveness.
• Enteric-coated capsules feature a unique coating that resists disintegration in the stomach and allows for targeted release in the intestines.

Segmentation by Region

• North America had the biggest revenue share of more than 40% in 2022.
• The Asia Pacific market is estimated to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.
• The rest of the world, including Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, supplies the remaining demand for Empty Capsules.

In the global empty capsules market, North America had the highest revenue share. Rapid technical improvements in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, as well as increased government investments in public health care, are important reasons driving the need for empty tablets. According to Health Affairs, US government spending would increase to 9.7 percent in 2021 and reach USD 4.1 trillion in 2020, a 4.3 percent increase from 2019.

In addition, the US government places a high priority on improving healthcare infrastructure, reducing disease spread, and raising public health awareness. Furthermore, the presence of major organizations in the region is expected to propel the expansion of the empty capsules market.

Additionally, the Asia Pacific market is expected to display the greatest CAGR over the projected years due to rising disposable income and increased awareness of the benefits of adding additive supplements to diets. And, as a result of changing climatic circumstances and an increasing working population, people are becoming more concerned of skincare, which boosts the region's empty capsules sector growth.

Key Highlights of the Report

The global Empty Capsules Market is segmented by Capsule Type, Application, End Users, Color and Transparency, Gastrointestinal Performance and region. In 2022, In 2022, the gelatin capsules category led the empty capsules market. Transparent capsules are in high demand, and the pharmaceutical industry is likely to have the highest revenue share. In addition, the delayed-release capsules market is the fastest growing segment, with North America leading the market growth.

The rising popularity of self-administered pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements In the pharmaceutical sector, there is a growing acceptance of capsule-based drug delivery systems. Consumers' growing demand for vegetarian and vegan capsules is one of the market's primary drivers. In addition, Strict restrictions and quality standards for capsule production, a scarcity of raw materials for capsule production, and  The main commercial barriers are potential allergies or religious restrictions associated to gelatin capsules.

Nonetheless, North America had the biggest revenue share in the worldwide empty capsules market. Rapid technological advances in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, as well as growing government investments in public health care, are pushing the demand for empty pills. In addition, due to rising disposable income and greater awareness of the benefits of adding nutritional supplements to diets, the Asia Pacific market is likely to exhibit the highest CAGR over the forecasted years.

What Elements Are Driving the Global Market for Empty Capsules?

The rising demand for self-administered pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements is one of the primary factors driving the growth of the empty capsules market. With a rising emphasis on patient-centered healthcare, people are looking for simple and accessible ways to take their medications and supplements. This has resulted in an increase in the usage of capsule-based drug delivery systems, which provide a convenient and efficient approach to administer oral drugs. Moreover, as customers become more conscious of dietary limitations and ethical concerns, there is a growing preference for vegetarian and vegan capsules.

What Are The Main Obstacles That The Global Empty Capsules MarketFaces?

While the empty capsules market is showing promising growth, there are certain factors to consider. Stringent restrictions and quality standards for capsule production present a challenge to industry participants. Compliance with these rules protects the capsules' safety and efficacy, but it necessitates large investments in quality control systems. Another constraint is the scarcity of raw materials for capsule manufacture. Obtaining high-quality gelatin or vegetarian materials might be difficult, influencing the supply chain and consequently increasing expenses. Furthermore, there may be allergies or religious restrictions associated with gelatin capsules, which could limit their use in particular regions.

What Market Development Prospects Are There For Empty Capsules Globally?

The market for empty capsules offers numerous prospects for growth and innovation. Empty capsules are increasingly being used in the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries. Capsules are an ideal delivery strategy for a wide variety of nutritional supplements and beauty products, fueling demand for customized capsules catering to these industries. Also, the increasing demand for customized and specialty capsules provides an opportunity for producers to create bespoke solutions for personalized medicine. This comprises capsules with customized release profiles, sizes, and colours to match the demands of individual patients.

Market Drivers

The global Empty Capsules Market is driven by several factors. The following are the key drivers of the global Empty Capsules Market:

Acquisition Of Competitor Players As An Expansion Strategy, As Well As The Launch Of New Products, Is Driving Market Growth

The aging population is increasing the prevalence of health issues related to joint, bone, skin, hair, gut, and liver functions, contributing to an increase in the global geriatric patient population.

For instance, according to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics published in July 2022, approximately 1.71 billion people worldwide suffer from a musculoskeletal condition, with 528 million suffering from osteoarthritis and 222 million suffering from neck pain being the leading causes.

According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, Inc. (IFFGD) statistics published in March 2021, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects around 5.0% to 10% of the global population, with 2.4 million to 3.5 million persons in the United States.

Market Restraints

The global Empty Capsules Market faces some challenges that may hinder its growth. These include the following:

Inflationary Prices For Raw Materials Used In The Manufacture Of Empty Capsules Are Limiting Market Growth

Global demand for gelatin in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and food industries is still increasing. The global capsule market is expanding, and gelatin is an unavoidable element. With its numerous applications in food, pharmaceutical, and nutritional products, raw gelatin is in high demand. Furthermore, the increasing use of capsule formulation, as well as increased R&D activities and clinical trials, are contributing to an increase in the pricing of gelatin as a raw material from manufacturers. Despite the fact that demand for gelatin was low under the COVID-19 ban, market prices remained on the high side.

Opportunities

The global Empty Capsules Market offers significant growth opportunities. These include the following:

Growing Demand For Nutraceutical Products In The Form Of Capsules Is Propelling The Market Forward

People seeking higher protection to prevent illness have paid close attention to the pandemic. Many people have recognized that taking dietary supplements can help them stay healthy. Many patients and consumers have begun to favour dietary and natural therapy alternatives for chronic diseases due to their long-term tolerability and safety.

According to a July 2021 article published by Franchise India Holdings Ltd, the need for nutraceutical products is spurred by the fact that 15.0% of the population in several developing countries, including India, is malnourished.

According to ETHealthworld.com, ACG launched the 'ACG loves nothing' campaign in November 2021 to demonstrate its dedication for manufacturing high-quality capsules for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

The global Empty Capsules Market is highly competitive, with several key players. Some of the major players in the market and their market share are as follows:

• ACG Worldwide
• Bright Pharma Caps Inc.
• CapsCanada Corporation
• Lonza Group Ltd. (Capsugel)
• Medi-Caps Ltd.
• Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation (Qualicaps, Inc.)
• Roxlor LLC
• Snail Pharma Industry Co. Ltd
• Suheung Co., Ltd
• Sunil Healthcare Ltd.

These organizations prioritize product innovation, Disease Area expansion, and mergers and acquisitions to stay competitive.

The global Empty Capsules Market's key players continually seek to stay ahead by offering new Capsule Types and developments.

In March 2023, VANTAGE NUTRITION, an ACG company, bought ComboCap, Inc. in the United States and BioCap in South Africa with the intention of expanding their technology and footprint in North America and globally.

In  January 2022, In Europe, Xi'an Le-Nutra Ingredients Inc. sold 8.0 million HPMC capsules to Latvia. These capsules lacked titanium dioxide (Ti02), reflecting the company's efforts to meet the region's demand for the product.

In  July 2020, QUALICAPS Group, which was previously part of Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation (MCHC), has been moved to Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC). This transition enables QUALICAPS to better leverage its network and increase its capsule business.

Summary of Key Findings

• The rising demand for nutraceutical items in capsule form is moving the industry ahead.

• Market segmented by Capsule Type, Application, End Users, Product Form, Gastrointestinal Performance and region
• Pharmaceutical companies are expected to lead the market in 2022
• In 2022, Transparent capsules are very popular in the market.
• North America is leading market growth; the market is highly competitive with key players including ACG Worldwide, Bright Pharma Caps Inc., CapsCanada Corporation,Lonza Group Ltd. (Capsugel), Medi-Caps Ltd.

Future Outlook

• Growing acceptance of capsule-based medication delivery methods
• The pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors are expanding.
• Technological advancements in capsule production
• Increasing demand for customized and specialized capsules
• Increasing emphasis on patient-centered healthcare solutions
• Raising awareness of the advantages of capsule-based drugs
• Untapped markets and emerging markets

Segmentation

• By Capsule Type:
  • Gelatin Capsules
  • Vegetable Capsules (HPMC)
  • Pullulan Capsules
• By Application:
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Cosmetics
  • Animal Health
  • Research and Development
• By End Users:
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Nutraceutical and Dietary Supplement Companies
  • Cosmetic Companies
  • Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs)
  • Research and Development Institutions
• By Color and Transparency:
  • Opaque Capsules
  • Transparent Capsules
  • Color Options
• By Gastrointestinal Performance:
  • Delayed-Release Capsules
  • Enteric-Coated Capsules
• By Region
  • North America
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • K.
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • South-east Asia
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • South Africa
    • Rest of Middle East and Africa