The non gelatin empty capsule market is anticipated to grow from US$ 2.33 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 4.64 billion by 2030; it is expected to register a CAGR of 9.0% during 2022-2030.

Market growth is attributed to the increasing use of HPMC empty capsules in the pharmaceutical and proliferating nutraceutical industries. A rising focus on sustainable packaging will likely provide growth opportunities for the non-gelatin empty capsules market. However, the lack of awareness and high costs of non-gelatin empty capsules hinder the growth of the non-gelatin empty capsules market.

Non-gelatin empty capsules are widely used in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries as an alternative to gelatin capsules. These capsules are made from plant cellulose or starch derivatives, making them suitable for people with dietary restrictions or religious beliefs that prohibit the consumption of gelatin.

North America accounted for a major share of the global non-gelatin empty capsules market in 2022. The North America non-gelatin empty capsules market is segmented into the US, Canada, and Mexico. One of the key factors driving the market growth in this region is the increasing acceptance of vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. As a result, there is a growing demand for herbal alternatives across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements. Non-gelatin empty capsules are a popular choice for encapsulating nutraceuticals and dietary supplements as they provide a convenient and effective way to deliver active ingredients into the body. The US has an established market for nutraceuticals. The main dietary supplements consumed in the country include multivitamins, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and omega-3 fatty acids. The consumption of these supplements is driven by the aging population, which is more concerned about healthy aging than its predecessors. Moreover, the demand for dietary supplements to prevent age-related diseases would positively impact North America's non-gelatin empty capsules market.

Rising Focus on Sustainable Packaging to Provide Market Opportunities in Future

With growing concerns about plastic waste and environmental sustainability, consumers and regulators are actively seeking environmentally friendly packaging solutions. As non-gelatin capsules are plant-based and biodegradable, they meet these sustainability requirements. As people become more environmentally conscious and look for products that align with their sustainability values, the changing mindset of consumers is expected to drive the non-gelatin empty capsule market in the future. Additionally, consumers tend to favor companies committed to sustainability, resulting in higher customer loyalty and market share. Consequently, changing consumer preferences and stricter regulations are expected to drive the adoption of non-gelatin empty capsules, thereby providing growth opportunities for the global market.

Type -Based Insights

Based on type, the non-gelatin empty capsules market is divided into HPMC capsules and pullulan capsules. The HPMC capsules segment held a larger market share in 2022. The pullulan capsules segment is said to register a higher CAGR of 9.9% during 2022-2030.

Application -Based Insights

In terms of application, the non-gelatin empty capsules market is segmented into antibiotic and antibacterial drugs, vitamins and dietary supplements, antacids and antiflatulent preparations, and others. The antibiotic and antibacterial drugs segment held the largest market share in 2022. The vitamin and dietary supplement market is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 9.9% from 2022 to 2030.

The burgeoning demand for therapeutic drugs and nutritional supplements for better health outcomes is expected to drive the market growth of this segment. These capsules are used for the encapsulation of medicinal drugs and nutritional supplements in the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring precise dosage and controlled release. The supplement industry encapsulates vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts to aid easy consumption. These non-gelatin capsules also encapsulate skin care ingredients in the cosmetics industry, enabling targeted delivery and improved effectiveness.

End User-Based Insights

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetics, and research laboratories. The pharmaceutical industry segment accounted for the largest non-gelatin empty capsules market share in 2022. The same segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 9.4% during 2022-2030.

Leading players are implementing strategies such as expansion, partnership, launch of new products, and acquisition of a new customer base for tapping prevailing business opportunities.

- In July 2022, Sunil Healthcare Limited reported an improvement in its export revenue by 25.0% in FY2022, reporting better profitability and operating margins from HPMC capsules.

- In June 2020, Lonza introduced DBcaps (double-blind capsules), an HPMC capsule that was designed to address the challenges associated with clinical trials.

The US Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Global Burden of Disease Study are among the primary and secondary sources referred to while preparing the non-gelatin empty capsules market report.