Global Market Size, Forecast, and Trend Highlights Over 2025-2037
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) Capsules Market size was USD 460 million in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 1.56 billion by the end of 2037, expanding at a CAGR of 9.9% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules is evaluated at USD 505.5 million.
The high-potential economies such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the MEA are emerging as the most opportunistic marketplaces for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsule (HPMC) manufacturers. The swift rise of health and wellness trends in these regions is significantly fueling the consumption of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. Thus, as these supplements are available in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsule form, the growth of dietary and nutritional supplements is directly uplifting the profit shares of HPMC manufacturers. Vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts are often encapsulated in HPMC capsules owing to their ability to release the proper amount of dosage. The Research Nester’s report underscores that the global dietary supplements market was calculated at USD 186.49 billion in 2024 and is foreseen to reach USD 551.62 billion by 2037-end.
The booming anti-aging products trade is another factor propelling the demand for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules. The World Bank report highlights that the global aging population is a triumph of development, people over 60 years of age are the fastest-growing demographic, globally. For instance, in July 2024, Vivion, Inc., one of the key market players disclosed that the global healthy aging supplement market is estimated to increase from USD 1.4 billion in 2024 to USD 2.16 billion by 2034. The same source also states that innovations in modern medicine technology and the rising geriatric population are prime drivers augmenting healthy aging supplement sales. This further emphasizes that the aging demographic is a booster to the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsule trade.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) Capsules Sector: Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
- Shift towards plant-based capsule materials: The rising demand for plant-based or bio-based chemicals is substantially driving the sales of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose a plant-derived compound particularly cellulose from plant fibers has emerged as a better alternative to gelatin capsules. The consumers' increasing shift toward vegetarian and vegan diets is set to fuel the HPMC market growth during the study period. The pharma companies are highly investing in HPMC capsules to develop their formulations and cater to vegan customers’ demands. For instance, Research Nester’s study reveals that the vegetarian capsule material market is estimated to reach a valuation of USD 3.4 billion by 2032-end. Furthermore, the global cellulose market is expected to reach USD 152.59 billion by 2037 with a projected CAGR of 10.1%. The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) study states that cellulose is the 453rd world’s most traded product. The U.S. and India were the top exporters and importers of cellulose in 2022, capturing USD 1.48 billion and USD 590.0 million worth of trade, respectively.
|
Cellulose |
|||
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Country |
Export Value in USD Million |
Country |
Import Value in USD Million |
|
U.S. |
1480 |
India |
590 |
|
Germany |
1280 |
U.S. |
566 |
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China |
1270 |
China |
537 |
|
Japan |
404 |
Germany |
407 |
|
South Korea |
378 |
Belgium |
320 |
Source: OEC
- Integration of advanced technologies to uplift key players’ revenue growth: The integration of advanced technologies in HPMC manufacturing is significantly fueling the overall market growth. 3D printing, electrospinning, spray draying, and hot-melt extrusion are aiding manufacturers to boost their production and revenue growth. 3D printing with its ability to offer more customized shapes and sizes is generating high-earning opportunities for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsule manufacturers. The market players’ increased ability to offer more personalized products is appealing to niche end users such as food & beverages and cosmetics companies. Apart from this, the biotech companies that produce proteins, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies heavily require advanced delivery systems, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules are emerging as novel drug delivery methods for targeted release.
Challenges
- Improper or high dosage leads to adverse effects: The side effects associated with excess intake of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules are expected to hinder the overall HPMC market growth to some extent. Gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, or diarrhea are some of the after-effects of high doses of HPMCs. Thus, though hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules are considered safe, side effects potentially hamper their consumption. To overcome this issue, HPMC manufacturers are estimated to invest in digital marketing strategies aimed at explaining the dosage format. Proper label marketing is also anticipated to fuel the awareness of dosage administration.
- Budget-conscious companies hesitate to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies: The production of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules is associated with the integration of advanced technologies and equipment. The precise manufacturing process requires high initial investments. Small-scale companies and start-ups often hesitate to invest in advanced technologies and prefer installing conventional ones due to limited budgets. Thus, the limited adoption of advanced HPMC manufacturing technologies by budget-conscious companies hinders the overall HPMC market growth to some extent.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Capsules Market: Key Insights
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Base Year |
2024 |
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Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
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CAGR |
9.9% |
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Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 460 million |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 1.56 billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Capsules Segmentation
Product (With Gelling Aid, Without Gelling Aid)
Without gelling aid segment is projected to dominate hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules market share of around 78.7% by the end of 2037. Consumers with dietary limitations and allergies often prefer capsules without gelling agents. The increasing vegetarian and vegan trend is propelling the sales of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules without gelling aid. hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules without a gelling agent offer a more hypoallergenic option, appealing to a wider consumer base. The clean label trend is another factor fueling the without gelling agent HPMC sales. Consumers increasing preference for products that are free from artificial additives, preservatives, and inorganic chemicals are increasing the consumption of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules without gelling agents. Furthermore, technological advancements in manufacturing and administration designs are estimated to augment the segmental growth in the coming years.
End user (Pharmaceutical Companies, Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs), Food and Beverage Companies, Cosmetic Companies)
Pharmaceutical companies are prime end users of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules and are estimated to hold a dominant HPMC market share throughout the forecast period. The rapidly expanding global pharmaceutical sector is boosting the demand for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules as advanced drug delivery systems. Technological innovations, sustainable manufacturing practices, increasing demand for bio-based chemicals, and health and wellness trends are collectively augmenting the use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules in the pharma sector. The pharmaceutical industry has surpassed USD 1.0 trillion in 2023 and is expected to exhibit high growth in the coming years. The continuous innovations in drug formulations are augmenting pharma companies to use HPMC for targeted results.
Our in-depth analysis of the global market includes the following segments:
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Product |
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End user |
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Customize this ReportHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Capsules Industry - Regional Scope
North America Market Forecast
North America in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules market is likely to hold more than 52.5% revenue share by 2037. The constant investments in the pharmaceutical sector particularly aimed at drug delivery systems are anticipated to fuel the sales of innovative hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules in the years ahead. The rapidly booming importance of bio-based chemicals and the increasing adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices are further propelling the overall HPMC market growth in the region. The health and wellness trend is expected to have a positive influence on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsule sales in both the U.S. and Canada.
In the U.S., the growth in the vegan population is directly driving the consumption of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules without gelling agents. The vegan demographic is set to dominate the pharma and nutraceutical segment owing to HPMC as a plant-based source. This aspect is further creating a challenge for gelatin capsule manufacturers and also limiting the sales of gel-based hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules in the country. The health and wellness trends are augmenting the sales of HPMC-based dietary supplements. For instance, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) states that around 75.0% of the U.S. population consumes dietary supplements.
Canada’s huge investments in the expansion of the pharmaceutical industry are creating lucrative opportunities for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsule manufacturers. The Government of Canada states that the country holds the 8 largest positions in the global pharmaceutical market. The growing popularity of natural supplements is propelling the consumption of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules in the country. Similar to the U.S., the health-conscious consumer base is significantly fueling the adoption of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules in dietary and nutritional supplement production.
Asia Pacific Market Statistics
The Asia Pacific HPMC market is projected to register a high CAGR between 2025 to 2037. The increasing expansion of international companies in the region owing to supportive government policies and the rise in foreign direct investments (FDI) is contributing to market growth in the region. The increasing demand for herbal and organic supplements and innovations in bio-based chemicals is also set to promote the use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules in the years ahead. India, China, South Korea, and Japan are the most lucrative marketplaces for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsule manufacturers in Asia Pacific.
China’s dominance in the global chemical industry owing to the strong presence of domestic and international companies is estimated to positively influence the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsule trade activities. For instance, in April 2024, the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) stated that Chinese chemical companies are on track to become global leaders in innovations. The robust production of both organic and inorganic chemicals with the backing of high R&D spending and supportive patent policies is creating a lucrative environment for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsule producers.
India’s pharmaceutical industry significantly contributes to the country’s GDP. The increasing emergence of international companies and the expansion activities of domestic players are expected to propel the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsule trade activities. Positive investment policies by the government for the development of the pharma and chemical industry are estimated to generate high-earning opportunities for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsule manufacturers. For instance, the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) report reveals that the PLI scheme for pharma producers is outlined at USD 2.04 billion, spanning from 2020-21 to 2028-29, to enhance the manufacturing capacity, boost investment, and diversify product offerings. The positive landscape for the pharmaceutical industry is set to fuel sales of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules in the coming years.
Companies Dominating the Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) Capsules Landscape
- ACG Worldwide Pvt., Ltd.
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
- BioCaps Enterprise
- Vivion, Inc.
- Bright Caps GmbH
- Bright Pharmacaps Inc.
- Capscanada Corporation
- Capsugel, Inc.
- Excellent Health Products Co., Ltd.
- Farmacapsulas S.A.
- Healthcaps India Limited
- Natural Capsules Ltd.
- Qualicaps, Inc.
- Shanghai Honest Chem Co., Ltd.
- Shaoxing Kangke Capsule Co., Ltd.
- Suheung Co Ltd.
- Wuhan Carma Technology Co., Ltd
- Zhejiang Yuexi Capsule Co., Ltd.
- Evonik Industries AG
The HPMC market is characterized by the dominance of key players and the increasing emergence of new companies. The pharma and nutraceutical businesses are major end users of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules, significantly contributing to the revenue growth of key players. The booming health and wellness trend and growing vegan population are augmenting the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsule sales growth, worldwide. To maintain a dominant position in the market and earn high profits, leading companies are employing several organic and inorganic strategies such as new product launches, technological innovations, advancements in capsule design and size, collaborations & partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, and regional expansions. Organic sales are anticipated to offer a high YoY growth to key market players in the coming years.
Some of the key players include:
In the News
- In May 2024, Vivion, Inc. a chemical and ingredient leader announced that it was recognized in ICIS's Top Chemical Distributors 2024 List. This is the reward for outstanding performance and innovation in the chemical sector.
- In July 2022, Evonik Industries AG revealed the launch of EUDRACAP enteric easy-to-handle and fill capsules in IPEC-GMP. This launch is aiding pharmaceutical companies to manufacture complex oral drug product faster.
Author Credits: Rajrani Baghel
- Report ID: 7103
- Published Date: Feb 06, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
