The global empty capsules market is projected to reach USD 4.19 billion by 2030, up from USD 3.19 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% (2025–2030). The shift toward clean-label, plant-based, and precision drug delivery solutions is driving a new era of growth and innovation.
Market Overview
The global empty capsules market is witnessing significant momentum, projected to grow from USD 3.19 billion in 2025 to USD 4.19 billion by 2030, at a steady CAGR of 5.6%.
This growth is fueled by the rising demand for nutraceuticals, advancements in pharmaceutical formulations, and an increase in clinical trials across therapeutic areas. As consumers and regulators push for transparency, sustainability, and plant-based alternatives, capsule manufacturers are evolving to deliver clean-label, vegan-friendly, and targeted-release technologies.
The convergence of pharmaceutical innovation, nutraceutical expansion, and sustainability goals is reshaping how capsules are designed, produced, and consumed — positioning them as essential enablers of the next wave in oral drug delivery and functional nutrition.
Key Market Drivers
1. Rising Demand for Nutraceuticals
The growing global focus on preventive healthcare and wellness-oriented lifestyles has driven exponential growth in the nutraceutical industry. Empty capsules offer an ideal delivery platform for dietary supplements and functional ingredients, ensuring precise dosing, bioavailability, and consumer convenience.
2. Pharmaceutical Innovation and Clinical Expansion
Pharma companies increasingly favor capsules over tablets due to their customizable release profiles, faster formulation timelines, and compatibility with diverse APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients). The surge in RNA-based therapies, biologics, and complex formulations is fueling the adoption of specialized capsule technologies like enteric coating-free systems and targeted-release capsules.
3. Shift Toward Plant-Based and Clean-Label Capsules
Consumers’ growing preference for vegan, halal, and kosher-certified supplements has accelerated the adoption of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and pullulan-based capsules. Manufacturers are focusing on clean-label formulations—free from gelatin, titanium dioxide, or synthetic dyes—to align with sustainability-focused regulations and ethical consumerism trends.
4. Sustainability and Supply Chain Transparency
Sustainability has become a competitive differentiator in capsule manufacturing. Companies are optimizing production processes to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and source raw materials responsibly—supporting global environmental targets while appealing to eco-conscious brands and consumers.
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Competitive Landscape and Market Consolidation
The empty capsules market is consolidated, with the top players controlling over 50% of global share. Market leaders such as Lonza (Switzerland) and ACG (India) are investing heavily in R&D, capacity expansion, and strategic partnerships to strengthen their market dominance.
Lonza (Switzerland)
Lonza, through its Capsules & Health Ingredients (CHI) division (formerly Capsugel), remains the global leader in capsule manufacturing. Its portfolio includes gelatin and plant-based capsules under trusted brands like Vcaps®, Vcaps Plus®, DRcaps®, and Enprotect®, catering to both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets.
With a production capacity of ~260 billion capsules and 12 manufacturing facilities worldwide, Lonza supports over 5,000 customers across the globe.
In 2024, the CHI segment recorded USD 1.27 billion in revenue, driven by targeted-release innovations and expansion of its plant-based capsule portfolio.
Notably, the Capsugel Enprotect, launched in 2022, became the world’s first coating-free capsule for enteric delivery, supporting the delivery of small molecules, peptides, proteins, and RNA-based therapeutics.
In December 2024, Lonza announced the separation of its CHI business, refocusing its core operations exclusively on CDMO services by mid-2025. This strategic move highlights Lonza’s ambition to strengthen its biopharma manufacturing leadership while maintaining capsule innovation through specialized partnerships.
ACG (India)
ACG ranks as the second-largest player globally and the leading capsule manufacturer from India, known for its expertise in gelatin and HPMC capsules.
With projected revenue of USD 400 million in 2024, ACG is expanding aggressively, building new facilities in Thailand and upgrading its plant in Croatia to meet global demand.
ACG’s key differentiators include:
- Cost competitiveness and operational scalability
- Vertically integrated supply chain
- Customized capsule solutions, including halal and kosher-certified variants
- Strong focus on Middle Eastern, European, and Southeast Asian markets
The company’s blend of regulatory flexibility and innovative design capabilities positions it as a trusted partner for pharma, nutraceutical, and CDMO collaborations worldwide.
Other Key Players: Roquette Frères (Qualicaps), Suheung, and CapsCanada
- Roquette Frères (France) focuses on plant-based capsule materials, leveraging its expertise in biopolymers to support clean-label capsule innovation.
- Suheung (South Korea) continues to expand its pharmaceutical capsule exports, supported by high-quality production and regulatory compliance.
- CapsCanada (Canada) emphasizes capsule customization and technical collaboration with clients across North and Latin America.
Together, these companies are driving market competitiveness and technological advancement, especially in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, where demand for specialized, plant-based capsules is surging.
Market Ranking Overview
| Rank | Company | Key Strengths |
| 1️⃣ | Lonza (Switzerland) | Global leader with extensive product portfolio, strong R&D, and global reach |
| 2️⃣ | ACG (India) | Cost-efficient, customizable capsule manufacturing with global expansion focus |
| 3️⃣ | Roquette Frères (France) | Expertise in biopolymer-based, clean-label capsule materials |
| 4️⃣ | Suheung (South Korea) | Strong manufacturing quality and export capabilities |
| 5️⃣ | CapsCanada (Canada) | Technical innovation and growing footprint in North & Latin America |
Future Outlook: Toward Smart, Sustainable, and Specialized Capsules
The future of capsule manufacturing is moving toward smart encapsulation technologies, bio-based polymers, and precision drug delivery.
Emerging trends include:
- 3D-printed capsule technology for personalized dosing and controlled release
- AI-driven capsule design for formulation optimization
- Vegan and clean-label innovations aligning with consumer preferences
- Digital manufacturing systems enhancing quality and compliance
- Biodegradable capsule materials promoting sustainability in pharma packaging
As nutraceutical demand rises and biopharma formulations grow more complex, capsule manufacturers that combine technical precision, sustainable practices, and global scalability will define the next decade of competitive leadership.
Strategic Takeaways for Industry Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical companies: Should partner with capsule manufacturers that offer targeted-release systems and compatibility with biologics.
- Nutraceutical brands: Must leverage clean-label, plant-based capsules to meet consumer expectations.
- CDMOs and OEMs: Can capitalize on customized capsule manufacturing partnerships for differentiated product offerings.
- Investors: Should focus on firms advancing biodegradable materials, enteric technologies, and digitalized capsule production.
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