GELATIN – THE FOUNDATION BLOCK OF THE BILLION-DOLLAR CAPSULE INDUSTRY

The Capsule Manufacturing Industry: A Rapidly Growing Sector in Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals

The capsule manufacturing industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Capsules, particularly soft and hard gelatin capsules, are increasingly preferred due to their ability to protect active ingredients, control drug release, and enhance the consumer experience.

Behind this growth is gelatin—a crucial ingredient that plays a key role in defining capsule quality. Without gelatin, the modern capsule industry as we know it might not exist.

1. Overview of Gelatin and Its Applications in Capsule Manufacturing

Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, primarily extracted from bovine and porcine skin and bones. Thanks to its gelling, binding, and water-soluble properties in hot water, gelatin has become an irreplaceable material in capsule production.

There are two main types of gelatin-based capsules:

• Hard Gelatin Capsules (HGCs): Comprising two joined pieces, these capsules contain powdered or granular active ingredients. HGCs account for approximately 40% of the capsule market, according to Grand View Research.

• Soft Gelatin Capsules (SGCs): Seamless capsules filled with oil or liquid, commonly used in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements.

Other pharmaceutical applications of gelatin include:

• Gummy Capsules: Widely used in the nutraceutical industry, especially for multivitamin products.
• Controlled-Release Capsules: Gelatin-based formulations designed to regulate drug release, optimizing therapeutic efficacy.

2. The Gelatin Market and the Growth of the Capsule Industry

The global gelatin market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. According to MarketsandMarkets, the global gelatin market was valued at $6.7 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $8.5 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 4.9%.

In pharmaceuticals alone, gelatin accounts for over 40% of total gelatin consumption worldwide, as major pharmaceutical companies continue expanding their capsule portfolios.

Simultaneously, the capsule industry is also on a strong growth trajectory. Mordor Intelligence projects that the global empty capsule market will reach $3.2 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.4% (2022-2027). The increasing demand for capsules in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and health-supporting products is driving this expansion.

3. Why Is Gelatin the Foundation of the Capsule Industry?

3.1. High Biocompatibility

As an animal-derived protein, gelatin is highly biocompatible, ensuring consumer safety while minimizing adverse reactions.

3.2. Thin, Strong, and Fast-Dissolving Film Formation

Gelatin enables the production of capsules with high mechanical strength while maintaining flexibility. Additionally, gelatin capsules dissolve efficiently in the digestive system, ensuring effective drug release.

3.3. Stability and Protection of Active Ingredients

A major challenge in the pharmaceutical industry is protecting active ingredients from moisture and oxidation. Gelatin helps maintain ingredient stability, extending shelf life and preventing degradation.

4. Trends in Capsule and Gelatin Industry Development

4.1. Plant-Based Capsules – A Challenge or Opportunity?

The rise of vegan consumer trends has led to the development of HPMC capsules (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose)—a plant-based alternative to gelatin. However, HPMC capsules still cannot fully replace gelatin-based capsules due to:

• 30-50% higher production costs compared to gelatin capsules.
• Inferior solubility and mechanical strength compared to gelatin.

4.2. Advanced Capsule Manufacturing Technologies

New technologies such as controlled-release capsules and microencapsulation are being researched and developed. These innovations require gelatin with special physical and chemical properties to enhance controlled drug release and target delivery.

4.3. Enhancing High-Standard Gelatin Production

Regulatory standards such as GMP, ISO 22000:2018, FDA, and COA (Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia V) are becoming mandatory for gelatin manufacturers supplying the pharmaceutical industry. Adhering to these standards ensures pharmaceutical-grade gelatin quality, meeting the increasing demands of the capsule industry.

5. Conclusion

Gelatin is not just an ordinary ingredient—it is the foundation of the multi-billion-dollar capsule industry. With superior durability, solubility, and biocompatibility, gelatin remains the key material in producing hard and soft gelatin capsules.

Despite the emergence of plant-based alternatives, gelatin remains the preferred choice for pharmaceutical manufacturers due to its high stability, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with stringent industry standards.

As the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries continue to expand, the gelatin and empty capsule markets are expected to grow further, creating major opportunities for businesses in the sector. Companies that offer high-quality, internationally certified gelatin will hold a significant competitive advantage in this high-potential market.

ABOUT GREENIFI GELATINE: 

We proudly supply bovine gelatine powder with bloom strength ranging from 100 to 250 and mesh size from 8 to 20, entirely produced in Vietnam. Greenifi Gelatine products meet all international certifications, including GMP, FDA, ISO 22000:2018, and come with a COA adhering to the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia standards, ensuring exceptional safety and quality.

Comprehensive Support:

• Proper gelatine usage: Avoid issues like clumping or failure to set during production.

• Addressing common challenges: Solutions for soft capsules, gummy candies, and cosmetic gels.

• Distinguishing gelatin types: Understand the differences between gelatine sheets and powder.

• Technical specifications: Grasp the importance of bloom strength, mesh size, and other critical parameters.

• Exploring applications: Learn about gelatine's benefits and the risks of incorrect usage.

📩 Contact us:

• Email: info@global-ifi.com

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/greenifigelatin

Greenifi Gelatin - Green ingredients for good life!