The Global Medicinal Hydroxypropyl Starch Empty Capsule Market was valued at USD 46 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 86.00 Million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.20% during the forecast period (2023–2032). This growth is being driven by surging demand for vegan-friendly and allergen-free encapsulation solutions, regulatory pushes for sustainable pharmaceutical excipients, and the rapid expansion of the nutraceutical sector in emerging markets.
As the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries prioritize natural, plant-based alternatives to traditional gelatin capsules, attention turns to the manufacturers pioneering hydroxypropyl starch-based innovations. These empty capsules, derived from pregelatinized starch and other natural excipients, offer superior stability, compatibility, and eco-friendliness for diverse formulations. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Medicinal Hydroxypropyl Starch Empty Capsule Industry—a diverse group of global leaders, predominantly from Asia-Pacific, who are enhancing product quality, scalability, and compliance to meet evolving consumer and regulatory needs.
🔟 1. Zhejiang Yili Capsule Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: Hydroxypropyl starch empty capsules in sizes 00#, 0#, 1#, 2#, and custom formulations
Zhejiang Yili Capsule stands as a prominent player in the plant-based capsule sector, specializing in high-quality hydroxypropyl starch empty capsules tailored for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. With a strong emphasis on natural ingredients, the company produces capsules that dissolve reliably across a wide pH range, making them ideal for sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Their production facilities adhere to stringent GMP standards, ensuring consistency and purity for global markets. Furthermore, Yili has invested heavily in R&D to improve capsule tensile strength and moisture resistance, addressing common challenges in herbal and probiotic formulations.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Development of modified starch variants for enhanced drug release profiles
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Certifications including Halal, Kosher, and vegan compliance to broaden market access
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Expansion of production capacity to meet rising demand from North American and European clients
Download FREE Sample Report: Medicinal Hydroxypropyl Starch Empty Capsule Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9️⃣ 2. Hunan Er-Kang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Changsha, Hunan, China
Key Offering: Plant-based HPMC and starch hybrid capsules, including hydroxypropyl starch variants in multiple sizes
Hunan Er-Kang Pharmaceutical is renowned for its comprehensive portfolio of empty capsules, with a focus on hydroxypropyl starch products that serve as gelatin substitutes in the healthcare industry. The company excels in providing customized solutions for high-potency drugs and dietary supplements, leveraging advanced extrusion and molding technologies. Their capsules are particularly valued for low moisture content, which extends shelf life for moisture-sensitive compounds. Er-Kang’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of renewable starch sources, and they maintain a robust supply chain to support exports to over 50 countries.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Integration of pullulan for hybrid starch capsules with improved film-forming properties
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Collaborations with pharmaceutical giants for API compatibility testing
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Investment in eco-friendly manufacturing processes to reduce carbon footprint
8️⃣ 3. Guangdong Qiangji Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Foshan, Guangdong, China
Key Offering: Hydroxypropyl starch empty hard capsules for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical use, sizes 00# to 3#
Guangdong Qiangji Pharmaceutical has carved a niche in the medicinal capsule market by offering hydroxypropyl starch empty capsules that meet the demands of clean-label products. These capsules provide excellent mechanical strength and are suitable for automated filling lines, enhancing production efficiency for contract manufacturers. Qiangji’s dedication to quality is underscored by their ISO 22000 and FDA approvals, allowing seamless integration into Western supply chains. As consumer preference shifts toward natural encapsulations, the company has scaled up its R&D efforts to develop vegetarian-friendly options that align with global vegan trends.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Research into starch modifications for delayed-release applications in oral therapeutics
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Partnerships with nutraceutical firms to optimize capsule sizes for supplement dosing
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Implementation of traceability systems for raw material sourcing
7️⃣ 4. Jilin Aodong Capsule Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Jilin City, Jilin, China
Key Offering: Pure hydroxypropyl starch capsules and blends for healthcare products, available in standard sizes
Jilin Aodong Capsule is a key contributor to the Asian empty capsule market, focusing on hydroxypropyl starch formulations that prioritize biocompatibility and environmental sustainability. Their products are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and modern pharmaceuticals, offering advantages like odorless and tasteless properties for better patient compliance. Aodong’s state-of-the-art facilities produce millions of capsules monthly, with rigorous quality controls ensuring batch-to-batch uniformity. The company’s growth trajectory reflects the broader market’s move toward plant-derived excipients, driven by ethical and health considerations.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Advancements in non-GMO starch sourcing to appeal to organic product developers
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Goal to achieve 100% recyclable packaging by 2025
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Expansion into European markets with REACH compliance
Download FREE Sample Report: Medicinal Hydroxypropyl Starch Empty Capsule Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. Anhui Huangshan Capsule Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Huangshan, Anhui, China
Key Offering: Eco-friendly hydroxypropyl starch empty capsules for pharmaceuticals, sizes 0# to other custom
Anhui Huangshan Capsule specializes in natural empty capsules made from hydroxypropyl starch, catering to the growing need for vegan alternatives in the global pharma sector. Their capsules feature high clarity and printability, facilitating branding for over-the-counter products. Huangshan’s emphasis on R&D has led to breakthroughs in capsule brittleness reduction, making them suitable for high-speed encapsulation machines. With a footprint in both domestic and international markets, the company supports the shift toward sustainable healthcare solutions by minimizing animal-derived components.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Development of colored starch capsules using natural pigments
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Certifications for vegetarian and allergen-free production
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Collaborative projects with universities on biodegradable enhancements
5️⃣ 6. Guangzhou Jiuzhou Capsule Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Key Offering: Hydroxypropyl starch-based empty capsules for nutraceuticals and other applications
Guangzhou Jiuzhou Capsule is a dynamic force in the medicinal empty capsule arena, producing hydroxypropyl starch variants that excel in stability and dissolution rates. These capsules are particularly favored in the healthcare products segment for encapsulating vitamins and herbal extracts. Jiuzhou’s vertically integrated operations ensure cost-effectiveness and quality, with ongoing investments in automation to boost output. As regulations tighten on excipient safety, the company leads by providing transparent sourcing and testing data to build trust among formulators.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Optimization for low-humidity environments in tropical markets
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Integration of functional excipients for controlled release
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Targeted expansion in the North American healthcare sector
4️⃣ 7. Lonza (Capsugel)
Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
Key Offering: Vcaps® Plus and other plant-based starch capsules compatible with hydroxypropyl formulations
Lonza, through its Capsugel division, is a global frontrunner in empty capsule technologies, offering hydroxypropyl starch options that bridge traditional and modern encapsulation needs. Their products support a wide array of APIs, from small molecules to biologics, with superior performance in filling and sealing. Lonza’s extensive R&D network drives innovations in natural polymers, ensuring capsules meet diverse regulatory landscapes. This positions them as a preferred partner for multinational pharma companies seeking reliable, sustainable solutions.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Launch of starch-based capsules with enteric coating capabilities
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Global supply chain optimizations for faster delivery
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Commitment to carbon-neutral manufacturing by 2030
3️⃣ 8. ACG Associated Capsules
Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Plantacaps® hydroxypropyl starch empty capsules in various sizes for pharmaceutical use
ACG Associated Capsules delivers innovative hydroxypropyl starch empty capsules that cater to the burgeoning Indian and international markets, emphasizing affordability and quality. Their capsules are engineered for seamless integration in high-volume production, supporting the encapsulation of generics and OTC drugs. ACG’s focus on localization reduces costs while maintaining international standards, making them indispensable for emerging economy formulations. The company’s growth mirrors the regional surge in healthcare infrastructure.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Development of size-specific starch blends for pediatric and geriatric applications
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Strategic alliances for technology transfer in Asia-Pacific
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Enhancement of capsule robustness for tropical storage conditions
Download FREE Sample Report: Medicinal Hydroxypropyl Starch Empty Capsule Market – View in Detailed Research Report
2️⃣ 9. Qualicaps (Quali-V-I)
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Hydroxypropyl starch and HPMC capsules for high-end pharmaceutical encapsulation
Qualicaps excels in premium hydroxypropyl starch empty capsules, known for their precision engineering and compatibility with sophisticated drug delivery systems. Based in Japan, the company leverages advanced materials science to produce capsules with minimal defects, ideal for clinical trials and commercial products. Their emphasis on innovation includes tamper-evident features and customized dissolution profiles, serving a clientele that values performance and reliability. Qualicaps’ presence in regulated markets underscores their role in advancing natural encapsulation standards.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Research on starch-polymer hybrids for sustained-release mechanisms
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Compliance with JP, USP, and EP pharmacopeias
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Expansion of vegan-certified product lines
1️⃣ 10. Shanxi Tianxiang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Xi’an, Shanxi, China
Key Offering: Comprehensive range of hydroxypropyl starch empty capsules for pharma and other sectors
Shanxi Tianxiang Pharmaceutical tops the list as a volume leader in hydroxypropyl starch empty capsules, supplying vast quantities to domestic and export markets with a focus on cost-efficiency and quality. Their capsules support diverse applications, from tablets to powders, and are prized for uniform wall thickness and high filling capacity. Tianxiang’s scalable operations and dedication to continuous improvement position them at the forefront of the industry’s natural shift, enabling pharma companies to meet consumer demands for ethical products without compromising efficacy.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Automation upgrades for zero-defect production
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Partnerships with global distributors for wider reach
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Sustainable farming initiatives for starch raw materials
Get Full Report Here: Medicinal Hydroxypropyl Starch Empty Capsule Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Medicinal Hydroxypropyl Starch Empty Capsules Is Natural and Versatile
The medicinal hydroxypropyl starch empty capsule market is experiencing transformative growth, fueled by the global pivot to plant-based and sustainable pharmaceutical components. While traditional gelatin capsules persist, investments in starch-derived alternatives are accelerating, promising reduced environmental impact and broader applicability in sensitive formulations.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
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Expansion of vegan and halal-certified capsule production in Asia-Pacific and North America
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Regulatory mandates promoting natural excipients in EU and US pharmacopeias
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Digital tools for capsule design and compatibility simulation
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Strategic alliances between capsule makers and drug formulators for customized solutions
Market Trends Affecting Medicinal Hydroxypropyl Starch Empty Capsules
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Rising Adoption of Clean-Label Ingredients — Consumers and regulators are demanding transparency in pharmaceutical excipients, leading to a surge in starch-based capsules that avoid animal products. This trend simplifies compliance but requires manufacturers to specify sourcing certifications and supply chain integrity, with recent mergers reshaping regional dominance.
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Advancements in Biodegradable Formulations — Companies are shifting to fully compostable starch variants to align with green chemistry principles, enhancing regulatory approval and reducing waste. For instance, innovations in cross-linking technologies improve stability without synthetic additives.
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Customization for Precision Medicine — Tailored capsule sizes and release profiles are gaining traction in personalized therapeutics, with cloud-based platforms aiding design and testing for multi-formula operators.
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Compact and Multi-Functional Encapsulation — Smaller, versatile capsules are preferred for combination products, minimizing material use in modular pharma setups. Leaders like Lonza continue to dominate with integrated solutions.
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Automation in Production Lines — Integration of robotics for filling and quality control reduces errors and labor costs in high-volume manufacturing, supporting scalability for emerging markets.
Get Full Report Here: Medicinal Hydroxypropyl Starch Empty Capsule Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies profiled here are not only encapsulating global pharmaceuticals—they’re pioneering the natural evolution of drug delivery systems.