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Gelatin capsules give way to HPMC capsules as capsule market shifts towards vegan alternatives
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Nandita Vijayasimha, Bengaluru
June 11 , 2025
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India’s capsule market is making a major move towards vegan alternatives. HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) capsules are becoming the preferred choice for pharma and nutraceutical companies aiming to satisfy consumer demand for plant-based products without compromising on quality or compliance, stated Satya Dev Tiwari, chairman & managing director of Voll Sante Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals.
Once dominated by gelatin capsules derived from animal sources, the capsule market is shifting decisively toward vegan alternatives, and HPMC stands out as the material leading this change. For pharma and nutraceutical companies, recognizing this trend is crucial not just to stay relevant but to seize new business opportunities in the growing wellness space, he added.
Gelatin capsules have traditionally been favoured for their cost-effectiveness, ease of manufacturing, and reliable drug release. However, these advantages now clash with evolving consumer expectations. Current consumers demand transparency, ethical sourcing, and natural ingredients, while vegan and vegetarian populations continue to grow worldwide. Made from collagen derived from cows or pigs, gelatin capsules are inherently unsuitable for these groups. They also often include added preservatives, opacifiers, colourants, moisturizers, and residual solvents - ingredients that raise concerns around clean-label compliance, he noted.
Additionally, gelatin capsules contain plasticizers that can leach endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), substances increasingly linked to hormonal imbalances, reproductive health issues, and infertility in younger populations. These concerns, coupled with stricter regulatory scrutiny around allergens and microbial safety, have exposed the limitations of continuing to rely on gelatin-based capsules, Tiwari told Pharmabiz in an email.
HPMC, a cellulose derivative sourced from plants addresses these modern challenges while delivering superior technical performance. It exhibits greater chemical stability across varying pH levels and temperatures, contributing to longer shelf life and more consistent drug delivery which are critical factors for both manufacturers and end users. It is also free from allergens, starch, and gluten and offers a cleaner, safer option, he said.
From a commercial standpoint, HPMC capsules enable companies to position products as vegan-friendly, broadening market reach and enhancing brand differentiation. Brands like Voll Sante are already using HPMC capsules to create clean, plant-based supplements that meet the growing demand for natural and ethical wellness products, he said.
Moreover, HPMC capsules are compatible with a wide range of active ingredients, including both water-soluble and lipid-based compounds. This versatility supports innovation in formulation development without compromising capsule integrity or efficacy. Compliance is further simplified by the natural origin of HPMC, which meets clean-label and non-GMO expectations increasingly demanded by both regulators and consumers.
While the cost of HPMC capsules was historically higher than gelatin, advances in manufacturing technology and expanded supply chains have significantly reduced the gap. Today, the investment in HPMC is commercially viable for most pharma companies and nutraceutical brands, with economies- of-scale expected to drive costs down even further, said Tiwari.
Lower moisture content in HPMC capsules also reduces microbial contamination risk, enabling cleaner formulations without preservatives. This aligns perfectly with consumer preferences for natural wellness products free from synthetic additives, helping brands build trust and credibility.
The plant-based sourcing of cellulose reduces environmental impact compared to animal-derived gelatin, aligning with corporate social responsibility goals and appealing to eco-conscious investors and customers.
Looking ahead, investment in R&D and manufacturing capabilities around HPMC-based delivery systems will position pharma and nutraceutical companies to lead innovation in the expanding market for plant-based, clean-label supplements and medicines, said Tiwari.
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