Softgel Capsule Market

According to a new report published by Introspective Market Research, titled, “Softgel Capsule Market By Product Type, Source Type, Application: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024–2032,” 

the global Softgel Capsule Market Size Was Valued at USD 4.97 Billion in 2023 and is Projected to Reach USD 9.32 Billion by 2032, Growing at a CAGR of 7.23% From 2024-2032.

Softgel capsules, also known as soft gelatin capsules, are a type of oral dosage form characterized by their one-piece outer shell made from gelatin combined with a plasticizer (such as glycerin or sorbitol) to create a soft, flexible texture. This outer shell encases a liquid, semi-solid, or gel filling, which can contain pharmaceutical drugs, nutraceuticals, vitamins, or other active ingredients.

Softgels are preferred for encapsulating oils and substances that are difficult to compress into tablets. They are designed to mask unpleasant tastes, offer controlled release, and improve the bioavailability of the active ingredients, making them a popular choice for dietary supplements and medications.   

 According to the global Softgel Capsule marketanalysis, the market is is segmented into Product Type, Source Type, Application, and region. By Product Type, the market is categorized into Gelatin Softgel capsules and Non-gelatin Softgel Capsules. By Source Type, the market is categorized into non-animal-based, and Animal-based. By Application, the market is categorized into Antibiotic Drugs, Cardiovascular Drugs, Anti-inflammatory Drugs, and Health Supplements. By region, it is analyzed across North America (U.S.; Canada; Mexico), Eastern Europe (Bulgaria; The Czech Republic; Hungary; Poland; Romania; Rest of Eastern Europe), Western Europe (Germany; UK; France; Netherlands; Italy; Russia; Spain; Rest of Western Europe), Asia-Pacific (China; India; Japan; Southeast Asia, etc.), South America (Brazil; Argentina, etc.), Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia; South Africa, etc.).

the increasing consumer preference for convenient and efficient drug delivery systems, particularly for dietary supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Softgel capsules offer several advantages over traditional tablets and hard capsules, including ease of swallowing, improved bioavailability of poorly water-soluble compounds, and the ability to mask unpleasant tastes and odors. This has led to a growing demand for softgel formulations in the nutraceutical sector, where consumers seek easily consumable formats for vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts. The rising awareness of health and wellness, fueled by a global shift towards preventive healthcare, has accelerated the consumption of dietary supplements, boosting the demand for softgel capsules.

An emerging opportunity in the softgel capsule market lies in the development and commercialization of plant-based softgel capsules. With the increasing consumer inclination towards vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, driven by ethical, environmental, and health considerations, there is a significant demand for plant-based alternatives to traditional gelatin-derived capsules. Gelatin, typically sourced from animal by-products, poses limitations for those adhering to plant-based diets or requiring Kosher and Halal certifications. Plant-based softgel capsules, made from materials such as modified starch, pullulan, or carrageenan, offer a compelling solution, providing the same benefits as gelatin-based capsules while aligning with consumer preferences for clean-label and sustainable products. This segment is particularly poised for growth in markets with high awareness and adoption of plant-based diets, such as North America and Europe.

Global Softgel Capsule Market, Segmentation

The Softgel Capsule market is segmented based on product type, Source Type, application, and region.

Product Type:

The gelatin capsule segment is extensively utilized in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements due to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of manufacturing. Gelatin, sourced from animal collagen, provides exceptional gelling properties, which preserve the capsule shell's integrity and safeguard the encapsulated ingredients from environmental degradation. Gelatin softgels enhance bioavailability, ensuring the active ingredients are efficiently absorbed by the body. Their attributes make them particularly suitable for formulations that require precise dosage delivery and a quick onset of action. Furthermore, gelatin softgel capsules demonstrate excellent stability, maintaining their structural integrity over prolonged periods, which is essential for shelf-life and building consumer confidence. These qualities contribute to the gelatin softgel capsules segment's leading position in the softgel capsule market.

Source Type:

Animal-based softgel capsules are predominantly made from gelatin, which is extracted from collagen found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals. Gelatin's outstanding properties, including its excellent gelling ability, stability, and compatibility with a broad spectrum of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), make it a preferred choice for encapsulation in both the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors. These capsules are widely favored due to their established safety and efficacy, with gelatin having a long history of safe use in pharmaceutical applications and recognition by regulatory authorities globally. Their cost-effectiveness and the ready availability of raw materials enable manufacturers to maintain a stable supply chain and offer competitive pricing, which bolsters their market share in the forecast period.

Region:

The Asia Pacific region is witnessing significant industrialization and urbanization within its healthcare sector, driven by developing economies like China and India. Increasing health awareness, rising disposable incomes, and proactive government initiatives are creating favorable conditions for substantial market growth. This region benefits from a robust scientific infrastructure and advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities, bolstered by strategic investments and technological advancements. The local ecosystem supports innovation and product development, enhancing the region's competitiveness in global pharmaceutical markets.

Some of the leading Softgel Capsule market players are

• Catalant Inc. (USA)
• Best Formulations Inc. (USA)
• Amneal Pharmaceuticals (USA)
• Capsugel (Lonza) (USA)
• Robinson Pharma Inc. (USA)
• Thermofisher Scientific Inc. (USA)
• Captek Softgel International Inc. (USA)
• Roquette (France)
• Curtis Health Caps (Poland)
• DCC Plc. (Ireland)
• Procaps Groups (Colombia)
• Aenova Group (Germany)
• PB Leiner (Germany)
• Fuji Capsule Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Sirio Pharma Co. (China), and Other Major Players

Key Industry Developments:

• In May 2024, Roquette revealed its latest innovation: LYCAGEL® Flex, a hydroxypropyl pea starch premix tailored for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical softgel capsules. This cutting-edge product, based on Roquette’s pioneering pea starch technology, eliminates the need for plasticizers. Offering manufacturers flexibility in formulation customization, LYCAGEL® Flex sets new benchmarks in quality, stability, and performance for plant-based softgels.
• In December 2023, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with Strides Pharma Science Limited, unveiled the launch of Icosapent ethyl acid soft gel capsules, branded as VASCEPA. Strides Pharma granted an in-license for the medication, marking its entry into the market in the fourth quarter of 2023. These capsules, containing ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), aim to serve as a dietary supplement for adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia (≥ 500 mg/dL).

Key Findings of the Study:

• The global softgel capsule market, valued at USD 4.97 billion in 2023, is projected to reach USD 9.32 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.23% from 2024 to 2032.
• The market is segmented by product type into gelatin softgel capsules and non-gelatin softgel capsules. Gelatin softgels dominate due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and superior gelling properties, ensuring stability and enhanced bioavailability of active ingredients.
• The Asia Pacific region, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, increasing health awareness, and rising disposable incomes in countries like China and India, is poised for substantial market growth. This region benefits from a strong scientific base, advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities, and strategic investments, enhancing its competitive edge in the global pharmaceutical market.