Halal Empty Capsules Market Meet ethical pharma demand with clean-label, halal-certified encapsulation

Halal Empty Capsules Market Size and Forecast 2025 to 2034

The global halal empty capsules market size was accounted at USD 1.28 billion in 2024 and is expected to exceed USD 2.16 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.37% from 2025 to 2034. Increasing demand for halal-certified products in the pharmaceutical sector is the key factor driving the growth of the halal empty capsules market. Also, rising consumer preference for plant-based capsules coupled with the key players' focus on expanding production facilities across the globe can fuel market growth further.

Halal Empty Capsules Market Key Takeaways

• The global halal empty capsules market was valued at USD 1.28 billion in 2024.
• It is projected to reach USD 2.16 billion by 2034.
• The halal empty capsules market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.37% from 2025 to 2034.
• North America dominated the halal empty capsules market in 2024.
• Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.93% in the market over the projected period.
• By type, the gelatin segment dominated the market in 2024.
• By type, the non-gelatin segment is expected to grow at a significant rate in the market over the forecast period.
• By application, in 2024, the pharmaceutical industry segment led the global market.
• By application, the nutraceutical segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the market over the projected period.

Impact and Role of AI in the Halal Empty Capsules Market

Artificial Intelligence (AI) optimizes easy identification of the drug to be used for specific disease treatment and can process molecular patterns and large data sets to search for new compounds and molecules. In the halal empty capsules market, AI technologies help in enhancing the drug manufacturing process with proper standards and compliance. Early detection of safety risks to Pharma manufacturing plants is possible because of the use of AI.

• In June 2024, Kahun introduced a new AI Agent designed specifically for the pharmaceutical industry. The AI Agent aims to fill the gap between medical knowledge and patient context, offering professionals reliable and accessible drug-related information.
• In September 2024, Aizon, an artificial intelligence SaaS provider that aims to revolutionize pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, launched a new product called Aizon Execute, an advanced eBR (electronic batch record) software product, developed in partnership with Euroapi, a leading global API manufacturer.

Market Overview

Halal empty capsules are manufactured according to Islamic dietary laws and do not contain non-halal substances or pork. They are mainly used in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries, drug production, and dietary supplements. In addition, vegetarian capsules are increasingly becoming popular due to shifting consumer preferences and dietary restrictions. There is also regulatory compliance for halal certification standards.

Revenue of top 5 generic pharma companies of 2024

Halal Empty Capsules Market Growth Factors

• The Muslim population across the globe is demanding halal-certified products for wellness and health, which is expected to boost the market growth of the halal empty capsules market.
• Growing investments in capsule production plants can propel market growth soon.
• The increasing elderly population globally, which is more susceptible to chronic diseases, will likely contribute to the market expansion throughout the forecast period.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Driver

Rise in demand for dietary supplements

The surge in the dietary supplement industry substantially influences the business of the halal empty capsules market. The dietary supplement market offers products such as minerals, herbal extracts, vitamins, and other compounds. Additionally, these capsules provide and versatile and reliable system for these ingredients, enabling manufacturers to produce a wide range of products. Halal empty capsules further enable manufacturers to personalize their formulations based on dosages and ingredients.

• In December 2023, Ally Biotech announced the launch of its live resin soft-gel capsules, ResinTime, under its Life Is Chill product line. The initial offering to the market is vegan-friendly, a cutting-edge soft gel based on a tapioca-starch and sugar-free product that addresses some of the dietary needs of consumers.

Restraint

Lack of raw material availability

Halal-certified raw materials like gelatin are not available easily. It is an essential component of capsules and is extracted from animal sources, which is not convenient for the halal empty capsules market. Moreover, the overall certification process of halal is costly and time-consuming. There are also many halal certification bodies according to each region.

Opportunity

Rising demand for generic drugs

Empty capsules play a key role in the manufacturing of nutraceuticals, which are supplements that offer health benefits above basic nutrition. The halal empty capsules market provides versatile and cost-effective solutions for incorporating numerous nutraceutical ingredients. Furthermore, there is an increasing trend towards the utilization of capsules made of collagen because of religious beliefs and ethical issues.

• In July 2024, the Department of Atomic Energy in partnership with M/s. IDRS Labs Pvt. Ltd. Bengaluru has launched a food supplement/nutraceutical AKTOCYTE that is aimed at improving the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
• In December 2023, Torque Pharma, a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, launched its Multipower Soft Gelatin Capsules, a Nutraceutical Endowment designed to boost health and well-being. This innovative product also combines the benefits of Multivitamins like zinc, iron, and calcium.

Type Insights

The gelatin segment dominated the halal empty capsules market in 2024. The dominance of the segment can be attributed to the increasing use of bovine gelatin especially from halal-certified suppliers along with its widespread adoption and cost-effective production. In addition, the growing number of clinical trials emphasizing the use of softgels is creating lucrative opportunities for the segments. Also, there is an increase in the manufacturing rate of plant-based soft gels leading to segment growth further.

• In July 2024, a Consultant Clinical Pharmacologist Dr. Michael Obaro announced the launch of Coatal Forte Soft Gelatin Capsules by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, Dr. Obaro focuses on the potential of soft gel technology to improve malaria treatment efficacy.

The non-gelatin segment is expected to grow at a significant rate in the halal empty capsules market over the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be linked to the increase in consumers' need for vegan products in developing countries like Pakistan and India. These capsules are more stable than gelatin capsules. Moreover, non-gelatin capsules easily fulfill consumer demand for non-GMO and clean-label products which can boost segment growth shortly.

Application Insights

The pharmaceutical industry segment led the global halal empty capsules market. The dominance of the segment can be linked to the rising requirement for pharmaceutical products that are compatible with dietary laws and the growing preference of pharma companies towards halal-certified products. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry invests extensively in R&D activities to develop and discover advanced drug formulations that necessitate new drug delivery options. Hence, halal empty capsules can offer a flexible alternative for various drug delivery options.

• In May 2024, Roquette, a company involved in plant-based ingredients and a provider of pharmaceutical excipients, unveiled its new LYCAGEL Flex hydroxypropyl pea starch premix for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical soft gel capsules. The new plasticizer-free excipient gives producers the freedom to select the optimal plasticizer combination.

The nutraceutical segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the halal empty capsules market over the projected period. The growth of the segment is driven by the rising prevalence of lifestyle-associated diseases coupled with the increasing importance of preventive healthcare practice, which is fuelling the demand for nutraceuticals. Also, consumers are becoming aware of the health benefits of nutraceuticals and their capability to safeguard individuals from the onset of health conditions.

• In August 2024, Aayush Wellness Limited, a leader in the health and wellness sector announced its debut in the USD 23.8 billion rapidly expanding nutraceutical market with the launch of its offering Dreamy Sleep Gummies. This product is created to increase sleep quality and combat sleep disorders, stated the company.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the halal empty capsules market in 2024. The dominance of the region is attributed to the presence of a large elderly population, top market players, and a well-established distribution network in the region. The region also has an expanding pharmaceutical industry which can fuel the market growth further. Within North America, the U.S. held a significant market share owing to the growing incidence of chronic diseases.

• In July 2024, Life Lab, formerly Blackburn Distributions, announced to launch of new Stak Pack supplement kits offering consumers the tools to create their capsules at home for a fraction of the cost alongside empty capsules filling machines.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the halal empty capsules market over the projected period. The growth of the region can be linked to the strong presence of key market players in the region along with the major exporters of halal empty capsules around the globe, including Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, with the raised need for halal-compliant products. Furthermore, in Asia Pacific, China held the dominant position due to an increase in the expenditure on healthcare infrastructure in the country.

Halal Empty Capsules Market Companies

• Capsugel (Lonza)
• ACG
• Qualicaps (Roquette Freres)
• Suheung Co. Ltd.
• Shanxi Guangsheng Capsule Limited:
• HealthCaps India:
• Nector LifeSciences Ltd.
• Sunil Healthcare
• Natural Capsules Limited

Latest Announcements by Industry Leaders

• In May 2024, Sun Pharma announced its Q2 FY25 results, with revenue growth anticipated to be driven by domestic business and higher specialty sales in the U.S. Gross margins may enhance sequentially, though EBITDA margins could decline due to increased R&D spending.
• In October 2023, Roquette announced the completion of its acquisition of Qualicaps, producers of hard capsules and pharmaceutical-related equipment, from the Mitsubishi Chemical Group.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type

• Gelatin
• Non-Gelatin

By Application

• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Nutraceutical Industry
• Other End users

By Geography

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