The global empty capsules market size is expected to reach USD 4.97 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 3.8%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Key factors responsible for the growth are the increase in the geriatric population, the proliferation of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical industries, globally, and the upsurge in the consumer preferences for capsules over tablets. 

The rising geriatric population count and the associated chronic conditions are expected to heighten the demand for the production of capsule-centric medications in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical application areas. Moreover, the benefits associated with capsule consumption, such as ease of swallowing, faster absorption rates, and increased palatability are also expected to contribute significantly to the expansion of the market over the forecast period. 

The mushrooming of the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical industries is expected to serve as a high impact rendering driver for the empty capsules market over the forecast period. 

The nutraceuticals aid in the prevention of certain chronic conditions and hence the consumption of these products has significantly increased over the past few years. For instance, nutraceuticals, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help in the prevention of cardiovascular conditions, and the heightened accessibility to these low-cost vitamin supplements has reduced the incidences of vitamin deficiencies. 

In 2015, the gelatin capsules segment accounted for the highest revenue of nearly USD 1,172.3 million. This high revenue share is attributed to the following factors: sufficient availability of gelatin for the production process and the cost-effectiveness of gelatin capsules as compared to non-gelatin capsules, such as Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules and pullulan or starch material capsules. 

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Empty Capsules Market

Empty Capsules Market Report Highlights

• Gelatin dominated the market and accounted for a revenue share of 73.5% in 2023. The gelatin-based empty capsule products include pig meat gelatin, bovine-derived gelatin, bone meal gelatin, and others.

• The antibiotic and antibacterial drugs segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023. Some commonly used antibacterial drugs are penicillin, tetracycline, sulfonamide, nitrofurantoin, and others.

• The pharmaceutical segment accounted for a revenue share of in 2023. Empty capsules are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to treat infectious and chronic diseases.

Empty Capsules Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global empty capsules market report based on product, therapeutic application, end use, and region:

Empty Capsules Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Gelatin

o Pig Meat Gelatin

o Bovine Derived

o Bone Meal

o Other Gelatin Capsule Products

• Non-Gelatin

Empty Capsules Therapeutic Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Antibiotic & Antibacterial Drugs

• Vitamins & Dietary Supplements

• Antacid & Antiflatulent Preparations

• Antianemic Preparations (Hematenic Preparations)

• Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

• Cardiovascular Therapy Drugs

• Cough & Cold Preparations

• Other therapeutic applications

Empty Capsules End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Pharmaceutical

• Nutraceutical

• Cosmeceutical

• Research Laboratories

Empty Capsules Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• North America

o U.S.

o Canada

o Mexico

• Europe

o Germany

o UK

o France

o Italy

o Spain

o Denmark

o Sweden

o Norway

• Asia Pacific

o China

o Japan

o India

o South Korea

o Australia

o Thailand

• Latin America

o Brazil

o Argentina

• Middle East and Africa (MEA)

o South Africa

o UAE

o Saudi Arabia

o Kuwait

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