Global Starch Capsule Market
Part 1 Introduction
• Definition
• Assumptions & Abbreviations
Part 2 Global Market Outlook
Part 3 Market Dynamics
Part 4 Impact of Covid-19 on the Global Market
Part 5 Company Profile
Global Starch Capsules Market Trends, Forecast Report 2025-2037
Starch Capsules Market size was valued at USD 1.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3.2 billion by the end of 2037, rising at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of starch capsules is assessed at USD 1.4 billion.
The global market is witnessing immense growth fueled by the increasing adoption in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements. The demand for starch capsules is on the rise due to their vast consumer base, particularly in chronic disease management. In this regard WHO reported that more than 62% of pharmaceutical products are being used for oral administration, with capsules capturing a considerable portion. Besides, EMA notified that starch capsules held nearly 20% of the empty hard capsule market, which is a 14% rise from 2020, highlighting the shift towards animal-derived capsules, thereby supporting market expansion.
Furthermore, the remarkable trade activities also contribute to the business growth across all nations. In this context, the U.S. International Trade Commission data reports that China and India are supplying more than 50% of global pharmaceutical grade starch, followed by Europe and North America, offering production of high-purity modified starch. The PPI and CPI of starch capsules are reported to be increased by 4.4% and 2.3% due to the influence of logistics. Besides, according to a WTO report in 2023, the worldwide exports are expected to be USD 380 million, with Germany capturing a 25% share and the U.S. with 20%, thus denoting a positive outlook for business growth.
Starch Capsules Sector: Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
- Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases: One of the primary drivers for the starch capsules market is the rising burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes. In this regard, the study conducted in Germany in 2025 found that approximately 4.8 million patients were utilizing starch capsule therapeutics, which is a rise of 19% from 2018. Furthermore, in 2024, North America reported diabetic cases among 38 million individuals, which fueled the demand for delayed-release formulations, directly benefiting the starch capsules industry.
- Sustainability preferences: The eco-friendly necessity of pharmaceutical products is massive, especially to meet the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments. In this regard UN Sustainable Development Group reported that more than 50% of firms are imposed to ESG controls for biodegradable capsules. Besides, the UN SDGs state that starch capsules are sustainable and reduce the carbon footprint by 30% when compared with gelatin. This global shift, both by regulatory frameworks and consumers for eco-friendly therapeutics, is driving growth in the market.
Manufacturer Strategies Driving Starch Capsules Market Expansion
The leading manufacturers in the starch capsules market are profoundly strengthening their market positions with several tactical expansion strategies. The key appreciable trends include product innovation, regulatory support, and vertical integration, aiming to capture a significant revenue share. In this regard, the U.S. FDA in 2023 reported that Lonza launched Plantaris, which is an acid-resistant starch capsule, and it gained a significant USD 130 million contract with diabetes drug manufacturers. Therefore, these manufacturers' strategies are anticipated to readily boost the market expansion by 2037.
Revenue Opportunities for Starch Capsule Manufacturers
|
Company |
Strategy |
Revenue Impact |
|
Lonza |
Acid-resistant capsule innovation |
+USD 130 million |
|
ACG Worldwide |
USDA-backed non-GMO starch sourcing |
20% cost reduction |
|
Roquette |
Delayed-release R&D (NIH-funded) |
+USD 95 million |
|
Suheung Co. |
Halal-certified capsule expansion |
+ USD 70 million |
Feasible Expansion Models Shaping the Future of the Starch Capsules Market
The emerging market is witnessing exceptional growth by implementing strategies through collaborations and domestic production. NITI reported that India-based suppliers such as Sunil Healthcare, partnered with Ayushman Bharat, are aiming to offer starch capsules at affordable costs that resulting in a substantial revenue increase of 15% from 2022 to 2024. Besides, this strategy amplified the sales in the country, shaping the market with lucrative growth opportunities.
Feasibility Models for Starch Capsules Market Expansion
|
Model |
Region |
Outcome |
|
PPP with the Govt. Healthcare |
India |
15% revenue growth |
|
NIH-funded R&D |
USA |
$95 million in new product revenue |
|
Halal-certified expansion |
ASIA |
$70 million market capture |
Challenge
- Government price controls: The aspect of reimbursement barriers and government price controls can act as a significant restraint for the starch capsules market to capture optimum manufacturer base. Europe is at the forefront hindering starch capsule profitability imposing strict price controls. Besides WHO in 2023 reported that the AMNOG law imposed for Germany manufacturers-controlled prices by 15% to 25% limiting the earnings. This has been tough for the suppliers to opt for starch capsule production with such price caps imposed.
Starch Capsules Market: Key Insights
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
|
Base Year |
2024 |
|
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
|
CAGR |
7.2% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 1.3 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 3.2 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Starch Capsules Segmentation
Application (Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals, Cosmetics)
The pharmaceuticals segment is expected to garner the highest share of 58.4% in the starch capsules market by the end of 2037. The dominance of the segment is attributable to the widespread preference over tablets for pediatric and aging populations. In this regard NIH report in 2024 states that 74% of new molecular entities require capsule delivery systems in pharmaceuticals. Besides, in 2023 EMA reported that the plant-based capsules obtain a 45% faster regulatory approval thus denoting a positive outlook for segment’s dominance.
Type (Plant-based, Animal-based)
The plant-based segment is projected to account for a lucrative share of 44.6% in the starch capsules market during the forecast period. The growth in the segment is benefited by its superior stability profile for active pharmaceutical ingredient delivery. Besides, the USDA Agricultural report published in 2024 reported that plant-based potatoes comprise 32% lower production costs when compared to corn starch, making it ideal for global players to leverage them. Furthermore, the WHO Technical Report notes that plant-based starch capsules are preferred for hygroscopic drug formulations owing to their low moisture retention, thereby accelerating the segment’s demand.
Our in-depth analysis of the global starch capsules market includes the following segments:
|
Application |
|
|
Type |
|
|
End user |
|
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Customize this ReportStarch Capsules Industry - Regional Synopsis
North America Market Analysis
North America is a key player in the starch capsules market, projected to register a significant share of 32.5% during the forecast period. The dominance of this region is mainly attributable to the developmental tendency of countries such as the U.S and Canada and the government healthcare expenditure. The U.S. dominates the North America market owing to the increased spending by Medicare which is USD 1.2 billion for plant-based capsules. Besides, it is stated that Medicaid offers a substantial 42% coverage for starch capsule scripts for chronic disease, which is up to 12% from 2021. Additionally, the presence of key market players drives market evolution in the region.
The Canada starch capsules market is expanding significantly, rising at a CAGR of 6.9%. For instance, Health Canada assigned USD 325 million for product innovation in starch capsules, reflecting the heightened government support. From 2022 to 2024, there is an increase of 20% in starch capsule drug approvals in Ontario public health systems. Furthermore, BioteCanada reports 15% annual growth in export-focused capsule production, which in turn implies a positive market outlook in the country.
APAC Market Statistics
The Asia Pacific starch capsules market is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate, with a considerable share of 27.6% during the forecast period. The market is appreciably fueled by higher instances of chronic disorders and the huge demand for starch capsules. Asia Pacific hosts a substantial number of emerging nations such as India, China, Japan, South Korea and Malasiya that witness immense adoption for starch-based capsules for disease management. Besides the requirement for sustainable therapeutics is intended to help the region’s growth embracing market progression.
There is an exceptional opportunity for the starch capsules market in India, driven by both public and private healthcare systems. The industry in India contributes significantly to the global market due to its critical role in various industries, such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. For instance, PMJAY reported that the scheme Ayushman Bharat covers above 550 million for starch-capsule drugs, drawing the interest of domestic consumers. Besides, NITI reported that there is a 20% increase in spending for these therapeutics over the last decade, which is another factor driving business in the country.
Companies Dominating the Starch Capsules Landscape
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
The starch capsules market comprises key market players that are leveraging vertical integration and regulatory support to enhance their global presence. Major firms are focusing on strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and expansions to accelerate to gain exposure across all nations. For instance, in 2023, Lonza finalized the acquisition of Capsugel to enhance its product portfolio. Furthermore, the U.S. FDA states that 80% of new NDAs now specify plant-based capsules, driving R&D investments in the sector. Hence, such strategies to strengthen their ecosystem will encourage the adoption of innovative therapeutics, thereby widening the market presence.
Some of the prominent players in the market are:
|
Company Name |
Country |
Market Share |
|
Lonza |
Switzerland |
20% |
|
ACG Worldwide |
India |
14% |
|
Capsugel |
USA |
12% |
|
Suheung Co. |
South Korea |
10% |
|
Roquette |
France |
9% |
|
Qualicaps |
Japan |
xx% |
|
Sunil Healthcare |
India |
xx% |
|
CapsCanada |
Canada |
xx% |
|
Medi-Caps |
India |
xx% |
|
Shanxi GS Capsule |
China |
xx% |
|
Lefan Capsule |
China |
xx% |
|
Natural Capsules |
India |
xx% |
|
Farmacapsulas |
Mexico |
xx% |
|
ERAWAT PHARMA |
India |
xx% |
|
Bright Pharmacaps |
USA |
xx% |
|
HealthCaps |
Malaysia |
xx% |
|
Nectar Lifesciences |
India |
xx% |
|
Aenova |
Germany |
xx% |
|
Strides Pharma |
Australia |
xx% |
|
BSP Pharmaceuticals |
Italy |
xx% |
Below are the areas covered for each company under the top 15 global manufacturers:
In the News
- In March 2024, Lonza launched Plantarism, which is an acid-resistant capsule to address API compatibility issues in GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide.
- In January 2024, ACG Worldwide’s VeggieCaps Plus was designated as the First starch capsule with 30% faster dissolution than standard variants and adopted by 5 Indian generic drugmakers for TB/HIV medications under Ayushman Bharat.
Author Credits: Radhika Pawar
- Report ID: 2580
- Published Date: Jun 02, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
