The Global Hard Empty HPMC Capsule Market was valued at USD 513 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 983.54 million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.50% during the forecast period (2023-2032). This expansion is fueled by increasing demand for plant-based pharmaceutical solutions, the booming nutraceutical sector, and stringent regulatory approvals favoring vegetarian capsule alternatives.
As the pharmaceutical and supplement industries shift toward cleaner, allergen-free delivery systems, manufacturers of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules are innovating to meet evolving market needs. This report profiles the Top 10 Hard Empty HPMC Capsule Companies—a mix of established pharmaceutical innovators and specialized capsule manufacturers shaping the future of drug delivery.
10. Bright Pharma Caps
Headquarters: Ahmedabad, India
Key Offering: HPMC capsules for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals
Bright Pharma Caps specializes in manufacturing vegetarian capsules that comply with international pharmacopeia standards. Their products serve pharmaceutical companies across 40+ countries with a strong focus on emerging markets.
Innovation Highlights:
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Proprietary “Vegicaps” technology for improved stability
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Custom capsule printing capabilities for brand differentiation
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GMP-certified production facilities in India
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Hard Empty HPMC Capsule Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9. Bahrain Pharma
Headquarters: Manama, Bahrain
Key Offering: Halal-certified HPMC capsules
Bahrain Pharma has emerged as a key supplier of gelatin-free capsules to Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets, with specialized capabilities in religious-compliant formulations.
Market Position:
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First company to offer Halal-certified HPMC capsules
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146% production capacity expansion in 2023
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Strategic partnerships with Islamic pharmaceutical associations
8. Sunil Healthcare Limited
Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Key Offering: Empty hard HPMC capsules under “Sunicap” brand
This Indian manufacturer has significantly expanded its global footprint, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia, with competitively priced plant-based capsule solutions.
Capacity Highlights:
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15 billion capsules annual production capacity
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FDA-approved manufacturing facility
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Specialization in acid-resistant formulations
7. Shanxi GS Capsule
Headquarters: Shanxi, China
Key Offering: Cost-effective HPMC capsule solutions
As China’s leading capsule manufacturer, Shanxi GS provides high-volume production capabilities with advanced automation, serving both domestic and international pharmaceutical markets.
Technological Edge:
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Patented moisture control technology
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First Chinese company to achieve EUGMP certification
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Annual production of 20 billion capsules
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Hard Empty HPMC Capsule Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6. HealthCaps India
Headquarters: Hyderabad, India
Key Offering: Enteric-coated HPMC capsules
Specializing in modified-release dosage forms, HealthCaps provides innovative capsule solutions for sensitive pharmaceutical formulations requiring delayed or targeted release.
Specialized Solutions:
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Patent-pending “GastroShield” enteric coating technology
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Customized dissolution profiles from 30 minutes to 24 hours
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5 dedicated R&D centers across India
5. Suheung Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: Premium HPMC and pullulan capsules
This Korean manufacturer has gained recognition for its ultra-pure capsule formulations that meet the most stringent pharmaceutical requirements, particularly in injectable-grade applications.
Quality Benchmark:
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Low endotoxin certification (<0.25 EU/mg)
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USP, EP, JP, and ChP compliance
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Special grades for biologics and vaccines
4. Qualicaps
Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
Key Offering: Proprietary “Quali-V” HPMC capsules
As a division of Mitsubishi Chemical, Qualicaps combines European pharmaceutical expertise with Japanese precision manufacturing for high-performance capsule solutions.
Technological Innovations:
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First to develop one-piece HPMC capsules
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Patented sealing technology for moisture-sensitive drugs
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Automated visual inspection systems with AI detection
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Hard Empty HPMC Capsule Market – View in Detailed Research Report
3. ACG Worldwide
Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: End-to-end capsule solutions
ACG has established itself as a full-service provider in the capsule market, offering integrated solutions from formulation development to commercial-scale manufacturing.
Integrated Capabilities:
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World’s only fully integrated capsule manufacturer (from polymers to finished products)
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12 manufacturing sites across 8 countries
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5 research centers focusing on novel drug delivery
2. Lonza (Capsugel)
Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
Key Offering: Industry-standard “Vcaps” and “Vcaps Plus”
The Capsugel division of Lonza remains the gold standard in HPMC capsules, with the most comprehensive portfolio of plant-based pharmaceutical solutions.
Market Leadership:
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Pioneered first commercial HPMC capsules in 1986
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Supplies 65% of global pharmaceutical HPMC demand
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Over 300 formulation patents
1. Roxlor LLC
Headquarters: North Carolina, USA
Key Offering: Next-gen HPMC capsule technologies
Roxlor has emerged as the innovation leader in advanced capsule solutions, developing proprietary technologies that address the most challenging formulation requirements.
Breakthrough Innovations:
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DRcaps® delayed-release technology (acquired from Capsugel)
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First low-wedge capsule design for high-speed filling
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TRUCAP® plant-based capsules with extended stability
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Hard Empty HPMC Capsule Market – View in Detailed Research Report
Market Outlook: The Future of HPMC Capsules
The hard empty HPMC capsule market is undergoing accelerated evolution, driven by pharmaceutical industry demands for cleaner, more reliable drug delivery systems beyond traditional gelatin capsules.
Key Market Trends:
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Booming Nutraceutical Demand: The global dietary supplements market growing at 7.8% CAGR fuels HPMC adoption
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Regulatory Push: Increasing gelatin restrictions in Halal/Kosher markets favoring plant-based alternatives
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Advanced Formulations: 43% of new capsule patents in 2023 focused on modified-release HPMC solutions
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Supply Chain Localization: Regional manufacturing hubs emerging in India and China to serve local markets
Get Full Report Here:
Hard Empty HPMC Capsule Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies profiled above represent the vanguard of pharmaceutical innovation—transforming how medicines and supplements are delivered through advanced plant-based capsule technologies.
