Enteric Empty Capsules Market Set for 6.0% CAGR Growth Through 2032 - Persistence Market Research

The global enteric empty capsules market is witnessing substantial expansion, driven by growing pharmaceutical innovation, the increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, and the demand for effective targeted drug delivery systems. Enteric empty capsules are specialized pharmaceutical shells designed to withstand the acidic environment of the stomach, ensuring that the drug they carry is released only in the intestines where absorption is optimal. These capsules are particularly crucial for medications that are sensitive to stomach acid or may irritate the gastric lining.

According to recent industry projections, the market is expected to be valued at US$ 3.1 billion in 2025 and reach US$ 4.6 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032. The rising burden of GI disorders, an aging global population, and increasing R&D spending by pharmaceutical companies are the major forces propelling this market forward. Among all end-users, the pharmaceutical segment leads the market, accounting for over 68% share, while North America remains the leading geographical region due to high disease prevalence, technological advancements, and strong healthcare infrastructure.

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Key Highlights from the Report

• Growing demand for innovative pharmaceutical products pumps growth for enteric empty capsules market.
• Technological advancements in capsule manufacturing enable companies to expand their offerings.
• The nutraceutical manufacturers segment is projected to dominate with a 32.79% share in 2025.
• North America is poised to maintain a significant market position through 2025.
• Rising R&D investments in drug delivery systems enhance market competitiveness.
• Increasing shift toward plant-based enteric capsules fuels diversification across regions.

Market Segmentation
By Product Type

The enteric empty capsules market is segmented into gelatin capsules, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules, and vegetable-based capsules.
The gelatin capsule segment continues to dominate the market, capturing approximately 61.40% of total market share in 2024. Gelatin's wide applicability, superior film-forming capability, and robust barrier properties make it ideal for protecting acid-sensitive drugs. Pharmaceutical companies have long favored gelatin-based capsules due to their cost-effectiveness and proven performance in drug release and bioavailability.

Recent product innovations are further boosting gelatin capsule adoption. For example, in 2024, Suheung Co. introduced a new line of gelatin-based enteric capsules containing probiotics, designed to enhance gut health and improve probiotic stability through targeted intestinal release.

However, the market for HPMC and vegetable-based capsules is rapidly expanding as consumers increasingly prefer plant-derived alternatives. These capsules are especially suitable for vegan formulations and meet religious and dietary restrictions, which is fueling their demand across nutraceutical and herbal supplement applications.

By End-User

Based on end-users, the enteric empty capsules market is divided into pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and other industries.
The pharmaceutical sector holds the largest market share-around 68.70% in 2024-owing to the rising need for advanced drug delivery systems that improve therapeutic efficacy and minimize side effects. The pharmaceutical industry's extensive R&D capabilities, adherence to stringent regulatory standards, and growing portfolio of oral solid dosage forms have contributed to this dominance.

Meanwhile, the nutraceutical industry is emerging as a strong secondary segment, especially as consumer awareness of gut health and preventive healthcare continues to grow. The industry increasingly uses enteric capsules for probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and herbal supplements to ensure the delivery of active ingredients to the intestinal tract without degradation in stomach acid.

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Regional Insights
North America

North America represents the most significant share of the global enteric empty capsules market-approximately 42.4% in 2025. The region's leadership is driven by a growing emphasis on precision medicine, targeted drug delivery, and advanced pharmaceutical technologies. Rising cases of gastrointestinal disorders in the U.S. and Canada, including acid reflux, ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome, are further accelerating demand.

According to researchers from the University of North Carolina, over 40 million Americans suffer from digestive diseases each year, creating a large and growing patient pool that benefits from enteric capsule-based therapies. Continuous innovation in capsule design, bioavailability enhancement, and biocompatible materials solidify North America's position as a global hub for enteric capsule research and production.

Europe

Europe follows as another major market for enteric empty capsules, underpinned by strong regulatory oversight, a mature pharmaceutical industry, and rising consumer preference for clean-label, plant-based formulations. European manufacturers are investing heavily in gelatin-free and vegetarian capsules to align with shifting dietary habits and sustainability goals.

Moreover, initiatives led by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to support advanced drug delivery technologies are boosting R&D investments across the continent. The region's established healthcare infrastructure and growing interest in functional supplements further contribute to the market's expansion.

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth rate in the forecast period, driven by expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, rising healthcare awareness, and the growing prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders in countries such as China, India, and Japan.

Cost-efficient production capabilities and the region's large population base make Asia Pacific a key focus for global capsule manufacturers. Furthermore, increasing adoption of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements is fostering the use of enteric capsules to improve nutrient absorption and therapeutic outcomes.

With governments investing in local pharmaceutical innovation and healthcare infrastructure, Asia Pacific is poised to emerge as a major contributor to global enteric capsule production and consumption in the coming years.

Market Drivers

One of the foremost drivers of the enteric empty capsules market is the rising global burden of gastrointestinal disorders, particularly among the aging population. The 2021 multinational Rome Foundation study revealed that over 40% of people worldwide suffer from functional GI disorders, underscoring the urgent need for effective drug delivery mechanisms.

Enteric capsules provide a sophisticated solution by ensuring that sensitive active ingredients bypass the harsh stomach environment and are released in the intestines, thereby maximizing absorption and minimizing side effects. This characteristic has made them indispensable for a wide range of pharmaceutical applications-from antibiotics and enzymes to probiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Another major growth driver is pharmaceutical innovation and R&D expansion. As companies increasingly focus on developing precision drug delivery technologies, enteric capsules are gaining strategic importance in oral dosage formulation. Their compatibility with both synthetic and natural compounds, along with improved patient compliance, further propels adoption across therapeutic categories.

Lastly, the growing consumer shift toward self-care and preventive medicine-particularly through nutraceuticals-has broadened the use of enteric capsules in dietary and herbal supplements designed to enhance digestive and immune health.

Market Restraints

Despite strong growth prospects, the enteric empty capsules market faces notable challenges. The most significant restraint is the rising preference for plant-based and vegetarian alternatives, which is impacting the demand for traditional gelatin-based capsules. Gelatin, primarily derived from bovine or porcine sources, is increasingly viewed as unsuitable among consumers with religious restrictions, ethical concerns, or dietary limitations.

This trend compels manufacturers to reformulate products using alternative materials such as HPMC or pullulan, which, although more sustainable, are often more expensive and technologically challenging to process. Additionally, maintaining consistent quality and supply of raw materials poses logistical hurdles for capsule producers, especially those operating in regions with limited access to pharmaceutical-grade gelatin or cellulose.

The high production cost associated with specialized enteric coating technologies also limits market penetration, particularly among small and mid-sized manufacturers. Regulatory compliance regarding biocompatibility and enteric performance adds another layer of complexity to product development.

Market Opportunities

Opportunities in the enteric empty capsules market are expanding rapidly, driven by technological advancements in capsule manufacturing. Innovations such as enhanced coating techniques, moisture barrier improvements, and precision capsule delivery systems are enabling manufacturers to create products that offer better control over drug release profiles.

In May 2025, ACG, a leading global capsule manufacturer, introduced a personalized capsule production machine that allows for precision-engineered delivery of supplement capsules tailored to individual patient needs. Such developments mark a transformative shift toward personalized medicine, a trend expected to redefine capsule design and manufacturing strategies over the coming decade.

Moreover, increasing awareness of biopharmaceuticals and the need for stable delivery mechanisms for sensitive biologics present significant growth potential. Enteric capsules are ideally suited for encapsulating biologically active molecules that degrade in stomach acid, making them valuable for novel therapeutic areas like peptide-based and RNA-based drugs.

Growing demand in the nutraceutical and functional food sectors also offers new avenues for expansion. Consumers seeking advanced supplement formulations for gut health, immunity, and metabolic wellness are fueling the adoption of enteric-coated capsules across both developed and emerging economies.

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Company Insights

The global enteric empty capsules market is moderately consolidated, with leading players focusing on mergers, acquisitions, and technological innovations to strengthen their portfolios. Strategic collaborations between pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies are also becoming increasingly common, aimed at leveraging expertise in capsule coating, biocompatible materials, and precision manufacturing.

Key Players Operating in the Market:

• Lonza Group
• Roquette Frères
• SUHEUNG Co. Ltd.
• Farmacápsulas S.A.
• Nectar Lifesciences Ltd.
• Zhejiang Huili Capsules Co., Ltd.
• Shaoxing Zhongya Capsule Co., Ltd.
• Chemcaps Limited
• Fortcaps
• Natural Capsules Limited

Enteric Empty Capsules Market Segmentation

By Product

Gelatin Capsules
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) Capsules
Vegetable Capsules

By End-user

Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
Nutraceutical Manufacturers
Others

By Application

Antacid and Antiflatulent Preparations
Antibiotic and Antibacterial Drugs
Others

By Region

North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Latin America
The Middle East and Africa

Recent Developments

In May 2024, a study published in Molecular Pharmaceutics reported the creation of advanced enteric-coated capsules capable of targeted drug release in the distal ileum, optimizing immune activation and absorption.

In November 2022, Lonza Group launched Enprotec Capsules, engineered to deliver acid-sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) directly to the intestine-streamlining production by eliminating additional coating processes.

These innovations underscore a broader industry shift toward functional, customizable, and sustainable capsule solutions that cater to the evolving demands of modern therapeutics.

Conclusion

The enteric empty capsules market stands at the intersection of pharmaceutical innovation, patient-centric healthcare, and technological advancement. With its valuation projected to climb from US$ 3.1 billion in 2025 to US$ 4.6 billion by 2032, the industry's growth trajectory remains robust.

Key factors driving this expansion include the rising incidence of gastrointestinal disorders, the aging global population, and growing consumer demand for targeted drug delivery systems that ensure safety, efficacy, and compliance. Despite challenges such as raw material constraints and the transition toward plant-based capsules, technological innovation continues to open new opportunities for manufacturers and healthcare providers alike.

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