Global Tablet Coatings Market Outlook 2031: Projected to Surpass USD 1,543 Million by 2031 at 5.3% CAGR Amid Rising Generics and Nutraceutical Demand

The global tablet coatings market was valued at US$ 824 Mn in 2021 and is projected to expand at a steady CAGR of 5.3% from 2022 to 2031, reaching more than US$ 1,543 Mn by 2031. This consistent growth trajectory reflects the rising consumption of coated pharmaceutical and nutraceutical tablets across developed and emerging markets.

Between 2017 and 2020, the market experienced moderate expansion driven by generics penetration and increasing oral dosage formulations. Moving forward, technological innovation in polymer science, evolving regulatory standards, and growing healthcare expenditures are expected to reinforce long-term growth.

Quantitative analysis in the report is expressed in US$ Mn for value, with historical data from 2017-2020 and a forecast period extending from 2022-2031.

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Analysts' Viewpoint on Tablet Coatings Market Scenario

Industry analysts observe that companies operating in the global tablet coatings market are increasingly focusing on advanced tablet coating materials, particularly due to the rise in demand for nutraceuticals and sports nutrition supplements. The pharmaceutical sector's emphasis on superior formulations, generics, and biosimilars has amplified the need for innovative excipients and coating technologies.

Formulators are actively developing advanced coating solutions for sports nutraceuticals that ensure improved stability, controlled release, and enhanced patient compliance. Moreover, increasing outsourcing of pharmaceutical manufacturing and growing R&D investments in developed economies are creating lucrative opportunities for market players.

Market Overview

Tablet coatings serve functional and aesthetic purposes in oral solid dosage forms. Coated tablets are designed by enclosing the drug core within a protective shell that:

Enhances stability
Masks unpleasant taste
Controls drug release
Improves patient compliance

The key distinction between coated and uncoated tablets lies in their release mechanism. Uncoated tablets typically disintegrate rapidly in gastric fluid, while coated tablets may incorporate thin functional layers to modulate release profiles, including enteric protection or sustained release.

Market growth is primarily driven by:

Expansion of the generics market
Surge in sports nutraceuticals
Increasing adoption of biopharmaceuticals

However, high product costs, unfavorable medication price control regimes, and trade policy changes across regions pose challenges to manufacturers and excipient suppliers.

Key Market Growth Drivers

Surge in Demand for Sports Nutraceuticals

The sports nutrition industry was among the earliest adopters of dietary supplements. While powders, beverages, and bars dominate protein delivery, alternative dosage forms such as coated tablets and acid-resistant capsules are gaining popularity.

Acid-resistant HPMC capsules are particularly effective for acid-sensitive ingredients such as:

Creatine (energy support)
Enzymes (digestion and inflammation)
Amino acids (muscle repair and endurance)
Probiotics (digestive health)

Technologies like lipid multi-particulates (LMP) enable variable release and taste masking, enhancing product performance. The growing focus on performance nutrition and wellness supplements is expected to accelerate demand for advanced tablet coatings.

Increasing Adoption of Low-cost Generics

Generic drugs provide similar efficacy and safety as branded medicines but at significantly lower prices. In 2018 alone, the U.S. healthcare system saved approximately US$ 292.6 Bn due to increased generic adoption. Medicaid and Medicare generated savings of nearly US$ 90.3 Bn and US$ 46.8 Bn, respectively.

Additionally, around 31 medications lost patent protection in 2018, with 47 more expected to lose exclusivity between 2019 and 2022. Major pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis, Merck, and Eli Lilly are likely to face significant patent expirations.

This shift toward generics is increasing demand for high-quality, cost-effective coating materials, thereby boosting the global tablet coatings market.

Rising Demand for Film-coated Tablets

By coating type, the film-coated tablets segment accounted for a significant share of the global market in 2021. Film coating offers advantages such as:

Shorter processing time
Thin, uniform coating layers
Improved mechanical strength
Enhanced aesthetic appeal

Sugar coating, known for minimizing medication errors and improving patient compliance through visual differentiation, also maintains relevance. Gelatin-coated tablets held a notable share in 2021 and are projected to grow steadily during the forecast period.

Expanding Use of Cellulosic Polymers

By polymer type, the cellulosic polymers segment dominated the global market in 2021. Subtypes include:

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)
Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC)
Ethyl Cellulose (EC)
Methyl Cellulose

These polymers offer strong film-forming properties, compressibility, and aqueous solubility. Their global regulatory acceptance and ready availability have enhanced adoption across pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Market Challenges & Opportunities

Challenges

High cost of advanced coating materials
Regulatory complexity in drug pricing
Trade restrictions and geopolitical uncertainties
Volatility in raw material prices

Opportunities

Rapid expansion of CMOs in Asia Pacific
Rising biosimilars pipeline
Growth in personalized medicine
Innovation in enteric and modified-release coatings

Emerging economies such as India, China, and Brazil are witnessing rising healthcare expenditures and generics manufacturing, creating long-term revenue opportunities.

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Regional Outlook

North America

North America accounted for more than 40% of the global market share in 2021 and is projected to remain highly lucrative. Strong R&D activity, innovation in biosimilars, and presence of leading pharmaceutical players drive regional growth.

Europe

Europe benefits from robust pharmaceutical manufacturing infrastructure and strong regulatory frameworks. Germany, the U.K., France, Italy, and Spain remain key contributors.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest pace during the forecast period. Factors driving growth include:

Increasing outsourcing to CMOs
Favorable government regulations
Lower labor and manufacturing costs
Expansion of manufacturing units

Countries such as China, India, Japan, and Australia & New Zealand are emerging as manufacturing hubs.

Latin America and Middle East & Africa

Brazil, Mexico, GCC countries, and South Africa are gradually expanding pharmaceutical capabilities, contributing to moderate market growth.

Analysis of Key Players - Key Player Strategies

The competitive landscape includes both global chemical manufacturers and specialized excipient providers. Leading companies profiled include:

Evonik Industries AG
Merck KGaA
BASF SE
Colorcon Inc.
Eastman Chemical Company
Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
Air Liquide S.A.
Roquette Freres

Key Player Strategies

Product innovation in enteric and modified-release coatings
Expansion of production facilities in Asia
Strategic acquisitions and partnerships
Portfolio diversification toward nutraceutical applications
Investment in R&D for sustainable and titanium dioxide-free coatings

Recent Developments

In 2019, Ashland announced the debut of Aquarius Nutra TF in Europe, which provides tablets with a titanium oxide coating.
In 2020, Colorcon introduced the Acryl-EZE II film coating line, expanding the pH range of its enteric coatings.
In 2020, Evonik introduced EUDRATEC Fasteric releases, a revolutionary oral drug delivery technology that combines enteric protection with quick, uniform release to effectively target the upper small intestine.

Investment Landscape and ROI Outlook

The tablet coatings market presents moderate but stable ROI potential driven by:

Recurring demand from pharmaceutical production cycles
Growing generics and OTC drug consumption
Rising sports nutraceutical market
With a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period, long-term investors can expect predictable growth supported by healthcare resilience and demographic expansion. Capital investments in polymer innovation and regional manufacturing expansion are expected to generate competitive advantages.

Market Segmentation

By Polymer Type

Cellulosic Polymers (HPMC, HPC, EC, Methyl Cellulose)
Vinyl Derivatives (Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone, Polyvinyl Alcohol)
Acrylic Polymers (Polymethacrylate, Polymethyl Methacrylate)
Others (Polyethylene Glycol, Polydextrose, Others)

By Type of Coating

Film-coated Tablets
Sugar-coated Tablets
Enteric-coated Tablets
Gelatin-coated Tablets
Others

By End-user

Pharmaceuticals Industry
Nutraceutical Industry

By Region

North America (U.S., Canada)
Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Spain)
Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia & New Zealand)
Latin America (Brazil, Mexico)
Middle East & Africa (GCC Countries, South Africa)

Why Buy This Report?

Comprehensive quantitative and qualitative analysis
Cross-segment and regional insights
Detailed competitive landscape and market share analysis (2021)
In-depth company profiles with strategy and financial overview
Historical data (2017-2020) and forecast (2022-2031)
Delivered in Electronic (PDF) + Excel format
This report enables stakeholders to identify growth pockets, evaluate risks, and design informed investment strategies.

FAQs

Q.What is the projected market size of the global tablet coatings market by 2031?
A.The market is anticipated to exceed US$ 1,543 Mn by 2031.

Q.What is the CAGR of the tablet coatings market during 2022-2031?
A.The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3%.

Q.Which region holds the largest market share?
A.North America accounted for more than 40% of the global market share in 2021.

Q.Which polymer type dominates the market?
A.Cellulosic polymers hold the major share due to strong film-forming properties and regulatory acceptance.

Q.What are the primary drivers of growth?
A.Growth is driven by rising demand for generics, expansion of sports nutraceuticals, and ongoing pharmaceutical R&D activities.

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