The global Advanced Empty Capsules Market is estimated to be valued at USD 1,047.7 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 2,080.3 million by 2035, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% over the forecast period. The advanced empty capsules market is witnessing substantial growth driven by increased adoption of targeted drug delivery systems and the rise of personalized medicine.
Growing demand for modified-release formulations across both prescription and nutraceutical sectors has encouraged capsule manufacturers to invest in high-performance polymer-based shells with enhanced functional attributes, such as acid resistance and site-specific disintegration. An upward trend in plant-based and gelatin-free capsules is also reshaping product development pipelines, as pharmaceutical and dietary supplement companies seek solutions aligned with consumer preference for clean-label and allergen-free formulations.
Strategic collaborations between capsule technology providers and CDMOs are expanding formulation capabilities for complex APIs. These dynamics, combined with growing investments in capsule technologies are expected to support robust higher single-digit growth in the next ten years.
Leading manufacturers in the advanced empty capsules market include Lonza (Capsugel), ACG Worldwide, Qualicaps, Suheung Co., Ltd., and Farmacapsulas S.A. These companies are actively investing in capacity expansion, capsule personalization technologies, and advanced materials research. In 2024, Lonza Launches Enprotect® Size 9 Capsule to Accelerate Pre-Clinical Development of Acid-Sensitive Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients.
The capsule is based on Lonza’s award-winning innovative Capsugel® Enprotect® technology. Vincent Jannin, Director, R&D, Lonza commenting on this lanch mentioned “Advancing a drug candidate from drug discovery to clinical trials faces numerous challenges that can impede progress and delay the development of potentially life-saving medications. Conventional methods of oral administration in pre-clinical research present several challenges, including inconsistent dosing, poor drug absorption, and the risk of drug degradation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Capsugel® Enprotect® Size 9 capsules address these challenges head-on, offering a highly efficient and effective solution for pre-clinical oral administration in rodent studies. Performing these tests using the final dosage form at this early stage leads to more insightful testing, more accurate pharmacokinetic profiles, and predictive efficacy outcomes.” These activities are fueling differentiation in a previously commoditized market and setting the stage for new therapeutic and commercial applications.
North America leads the global market due to a high concentration of pharmaceutical innovators, extensive CDMO networks, and early adoption of advanced capsule technologies. The USA regulatory support for novel excipient use and fast-track designations for complex generics have accelerated demand for functionally enhanced capsules. Manufacturers in the region have also benefited from increased R&D investments in pediatric and geriatric drug formulations. FDA approvals for high-load capsule designs and increased biologics compatibility have pushed regional growth, while academic collaborations in bioavailability enhancement continue to drive long-term innovation.
Europe’s advanced empty capsules market is growing steadily, supported by strong regulatory frameworks and a shift toward green chemistry in capsule production. The rise of vegan and halal-certified capsules has been accelerated by consumer preferences and regional dietary laws. The region is also seeing demand surge from microbiome therapeutics, where delayed-release capsules are preferred. This shift is expected to create sustainable long-term opportunities for European manufacturers focusing on environmental and therapeutic performance synergy.
In 2025, the animal source raw materials segment is expected to dominate the advanced empty capsules market, holding 63.5% of the total revenue share. This dominance is primarily attributed to the widespread use of gelatin, which is derived from animal sources, in capsule production. Gelatin capsules are favored due to their cost-effectiveness, superior bioavailability, and versatility in encapsulating a wide range of substances, including both solid and liquid formulations.
The ease of manufacturing and the strong regulatory acceptance of gelatin-based capsules have further reinforced their position in the market. Additionally, animal-based gelatin is known for its excellent properties in terms of dissolution rates and stability, making it ideal for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
The significant growth in pharmaceutical production and the increasing demand for capsule-based drug delivery formats are key drivers for the continued preference for animal-derived raw materials. These factors collectively contribute to the sustained market dominance of the animal source raw materials segment in the advanced empty capsules market.
In 2025, pharmaceutical manufacturers are projected to hold 60.6% of the total revenue share in the advanced empty capsules market. This leadership position is driven by the increasing demand for capsule-based drug delivery systems, which are preferred for their ease of swallowing, precision dosage, and ability to protect sensitive ingredients. Pharmaceutical manufacturers utilize empty capsules extensively for a wide range of drug formulations, particularly in oral drug delivery, where efficiency and consumer convenience are critical.
Capsules provide superior stability for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), especially for those that are sensitive to environmental factors like moisture and light. Additionally, the growing trend toward personalized medicine and the rising adoption of nutraceuticals have led pharmaceutical manufacturers to invest heavily in capsule technology.
The market has also benefitted from ongoing innovations in capsule formulation and manufacturing processes, ensuring better performance and compliance with regulatory standards. As a result, pharmaceutical manufacturers remain the largest and most influential end-user segment in the advanced empty capsules market.
Challenge
High Production Costs and Stringent Regulatory Compliance
High costs of raw materials and processes involved in manufacturing are hindering factors of the Advanced Empty Capsule Market. The process of manufacturing capsules without contents necessitates specialized machinery, pharmaceutical-grade gelatin, and high-grade hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) materials-resulting in higher production costs.
Furthermore, manufacturing is complicated by regulatory compliance with agencies like the FDA, EMA, and WHO, which demand thorough quality control processes. (Designed and manufactured at the lowest cost + Regulatory compliant, with the fastest and cheapest strategy)
Supply Chain Disruptions and Raw Material Availability
One of the major restraints limiting the global Advanced Empty Capsule Market is raw material availability such as gelatin, plant-based alternatives, and other raw materials to manufacture capsules. Geopolitical instability, trade restrictions, or pandemics cause supply chain disruption that again hit production timelines and cost structures.
These challenges would be mitigated by manufacturers forming supplier networks diversified enough to minimize disruption, integrating different capsule materials into production, and developing logistic strategies that ensure a steady stream of supplies.
Opportunity
Rising Demand for Vegetarian and Vegan Capsules
Growing preference for plant-based and vegetarian diets has led to the demand for other than gelatin capsules. Owing to their compatibility with dietary and religious restrictions, consumers and pharmaceutical companies are leaning toward HPMC and pullulan capsules. This trend offers a lucrative opportunity for market players to diversify their product portfolios, invest in research and development activities, and launch innovative plant-based capsule solutions which address the changing consumer preferences.
Growth in Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Applications
The Advanced Empty Capsule Market offers significant growth opportunities to the expanding nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Growing demand for specialized capsules with improved bioavailability, targeted delivery systems, due to the increasing use of dietary supplements, probiotics, and personalized medicine. Market Projections: According to estimates, this market is expected to reach nearly USD 72 Billion USD by 2024 from approximately USD 42 Billion USD in 2017.
The advanced empty capsule market is dominated by United States owing to its well-established pharmaceutical market and growing need for inventive drug delivery systems. Market growth is fuelled by the presence of leading capsule manufacturers and high R&D investments.
The expansion of the market is further supported by regulatory initiatives from the FDA, increased consumer preference for vegetarian and gelatin-based capsules. Increasing consumption of nutraceutical and dietary supplements is also driving the market.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| USA | 7.5% |
The empty capsules market in United Kingdom is expected to grow with the high end healthcare system and growing concerns over precision medicine. Demand for high-quality capsules is bolstered by their expanding use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical contexts.
Market growth is encouraged by government policies that favour pharmaceutical innovation and investments in biodegradable and plant-based capsule technologies. The partnership of these academic providers with biotech companies allows for further advancement in these products' development.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| UK | 7.3% |
The European Union empty capsule market belongs to Germany, France and Italy. Strong pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industrial base, high regulatory standards assure quality products in the region.
Combination of sustainable manufacturing and accelerated research in cutting-edge drug encapsulation in EU also benefits market growth. HPMC and gelatin-based capsules are increasingly preferred for drug and supplement applications, which is a factor that supports expansion.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| European Union (EU) | 7.4% |
Japan's pharmaceutical industry is one of the leading factors contributing to the country's developed empty capsule market. The country’s concentration over high-precision drug delivery systems and innovation with respect to capsule technology as a result; will boost the market growth.
The growing aging population and the need for personalized medicine also fosters the adoption of novel empty capsules. Moreover, government sponsored research programs associated with health technology tends to boost the market growth.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 7.6% |
The South Korea advanced empty capsule market is expanding rapidly with the increasing pharmaceutical & nutraceutical industries in this region. State investment in biotechnology and innovative drug formulation also boosts market growth.
This is consistent with global patterns, including government policies that have been encouraging research on advanced encapsulation, and increasing demand for plant-based capsules. Moreover, the increase of health-aware consumers selecting supplements continues to maintain the market demand.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 7.7% |
The advanced empty capsule market is led by a combination of well-established global manufacturers and innovative regional players, segmented across multiple tiers. Tier 1 companies such as Capsule (Luna), ACG Worldwide, and Media-Caps Limited hold significant market share due to their extensive product ranges, global distribution networks, and continuous innovation in capsule technology. Capsule (Luna) emphasizes quality and customization, offering advanced formulations catering to pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors.
ACG Worldwide invests heavily in R&D to develop capsules with enhanced dissolution profiles and eco-friendly materials. Media-Caps Limited focuses on expanding its footprint in emerging markets through strategic partnerships and capacity expansion.
Tier 2 suppliers like Sunil Healthcare Limited, Roller LLC, and Caps Canada Corporation concentrate on cost-efficient production and regional market penetration. They offer diverse capsule varieties, including gelatin and vegetarian capsules, aimed at meeting evolving regulatory requirements. Tier 3 companies such as Sheng Co., Ltd, Bright Pharma Caps, STERIS Plc, and Fuji Capsule Co. Ltd. target niche applications and specialty products, focusing on innovation in capsule materials and manufacturing processes.
Recent Advanced Empty Capsule Industry News
In February 2025, ACG Capsules launched the first fully vegan printed capsules made from plant-based polymers like Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC). These capsules are certified by both Vegan Action and The Vegetarian Society, ensuring every aspect-from shell to print-meets stringent vegan standards. This innovation addresses the increasing demand for sustainable and cruelty-free options in medications and dietary supplements, as reported by industry sources including Contract Pharma and PharmiWeb.
The overall market size for advanced empty capsule market USD 1,047.7 million was in 2025.
The advanced empty capsule market expected to reach USD 2,080.3 million in 2035.
The demand for the advanced empty capsule market will be driven by increasing pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, rising preference for vegetarian and gelatin-based capsules, advancements in capsule technology for controlled drug release, growing consumer demand for dietary supplements, and expanding pharmaceutical R&D activities.
The top 5 countries which drives the development of advanced empty capsule market are USA, UK, Europe Union, Japan and South Korea.
Animal-Sourced and Vegetarian-Based capsules growth to command significant share over the assessment period.
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Advanced Empty Capsule Market
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