The Global Aqueous Film Coating Market was valued at USD 1.32 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1.98 Billion by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8% during the forecast period (2024–2034). This growth is being driven by increasing pharmaceutical production, stringent regulatory requirements for drug safety, and the accelerating adoption of environmentally friendly coating solutions that replace traditional solvent-based systems.
As the pharmaceutical industry shifts toward sustainable manufacturing and advanced drug delivery systems, the focus intensifies on the key coating specialists who are pioneering innovation, quality, and cleaner production pathways. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Aqueous Film Coating Industry—a mix of global leaders, specialized formulators, and technology innovators shaping the future of pharmaceutical coatings.
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🔟 1. Colorcon, Inc.
Headquarters: Harleysville, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Opadry®, Surelease®, Acryl-EZE®
Colorcon is a world leader in film coating systems for the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries. Their extensive portfolio of aqueous film coatings provides functional benefits like moisture barrier protection, taste masking, and controlled release, serving thousands of products globally.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Development of high-performance, ready-to-use coating systems
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Focus on reducing solvent use and improving manufacturing efficiency
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Global technical support and regulatory expertise
9️⃣ 2. BASF SE
Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Kollicoat®, EUDRAGIT® aqueous dispersions
BASF is a major supplier of polymer solutions for pharmaceutical coatings, offering a wide range of aqueous dispersions for immediate and modified release applications. Their products are critical for creating sophisticated drug delivery systems that meet precise performance criteria.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Advanced polymer technology for targeted drug release
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Sustainable production processes and bio-based raw materials
8️⃣ 3. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Aquarius® Prime, Benecel™ Pharma Coating Systems
Ashland provides specialty ingredients for pharmaceutical coatings, including high-quality aqueous film coating systems. Their solutions are designed for excellent film formation, tablet substrate adhesion, and batch-to-batch consistency.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Development of clean-label and sustainable coating solutions
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Investment in R&D for enhanced functionality and processability
7️⃣ 4. Evonik Industries AG
Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: EUDRAGIT® polymers, aqueous coating systems
Evonik is a leading provider of specialty chemicals for the pharmaceutical industry, with a strong focus on acrylic-based aqueous dispersions for film coating. Their products enable customized release profiles and robust manufacturing processes.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Tailored solutions for complex drug delivery challenges
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Commitment to sustainability through reduced VOC emissions
Download FREE Sample Report: Aqueous Film Coating Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. Corel Pharma Chem
Headquarters: Ahmedabad, India
Key Offering: Aqueous film coatings, sealing coats, sub-coats
Corel Pharma Chem is a prominent manufacturer of pharmaceutical excipients, including a comprehensive range of aqueous film coating products. The company serves both domestic and international markets with cost-effective and reliable coating solutions.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Expansion of product portfolio to meet diverse application needs
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Focus on quality compliance with international pharmacopoeial standards
5️⃣ 6. Ideal Cures Pvt. Ltd.
Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Instacoat, Instamask, Aquagloss
Ideal Cures is a specialized manufacturer of ready-to-use film coating systems, with a strong emphasis on aqueous-based technologies. The company is known for its customer-centric approach and innovative solutions for the global pharmaceutical industry.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Development of rapid coating systems to reduce processing time
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Investment in advanced manufacturing facilities for improved quality control
4️⃣ 7. SEPPIC (Air Liquide)
Headquarters: Paris, France
Key Offering: Sepifilm™, Sepisperse™ aqueous coating systems
SEPPIC, part of the Air Liquide group, offers high-performance film coating products based on innovative polymer and excipient technologies. Their aqueous coatings are designed for easy application, excellent stability, and superior film properties.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Focus on natural and synthetic polymer blends for enhanced performance
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Development of multifunctional coatings for added drug protection
3️⃣ 8. Shreeji Chem
Headquarters: Vadodara, India
Key Offering: Aqueous film coating powders, ready-to-use systems
Shreeji Chem is a key player in the Indian pharmaceutical excipients market, providing high-quality aqueous film coating materials. The company caters to a wide range of pharmaceutical manufacturers with consistent and reliable products.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Continuous improvement of product formulations for better performance
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Expansion of manufacturing capabilities to serve growing demand
2️⃣ 9. Röhm GmbH
Headquarters: Darmstadt, Germany
Key Offering: EUDRAGIT® brand aqueous dispersions
Röhm is a leading producer of methacrylate copolymers for pharmaceutical applications, offering advanced aqueous coating systems under the renowned EUDRAGIT® brand. Their technologies enable precise control over drug release mechanisms.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Research into next-generation functional coatings for advanced therapies
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Partnerships with pharmaceutical companies for customized solutions
1️⃣ 10. Yenchen Machinery Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: New Taipei City, Taiwan
Key Offering: Coating equipment and related technical services
Yenchen is a major supplier of pharmaceutical coating equipment and technology, supporting the application of aqueous film coatings worldwide. The company provides integrated solutions that optimize the coating process for efficiency and quality.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Development of advanced coating machines with precision control systems
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Global service network providing technical support and training
Get Full Report Here: Aqueous Film Coating Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Aqueous Film Coating Is Smarter and More Sustainable
The aqueous film coating market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional solvent-based coatings still have specific applications, the industry is rapidly adopting water-based alternatives that offer superior safety, environmental benefits, and advanced functionality.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
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Accelerated regulatory push for pharma industry sustainability and reduced VOC emissions
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Growing demand for multifunctional coatings that combine protection with drug release control
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Advancements in coating technologies for biologics and high-potency active pharmaceutical ingredients
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Increasing adoption in emerging markets as pharmaceutical manufacturing expands globally
Get Full Report Here: Aqueous Film Coating Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies listed above are not only supporting global pharmaceutical manufacturing—they’re driving the sustainable evolution of drug production and delivery systems.
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