Global Softgel Capsules Market to Reach $12.49 Billion by 2031 as Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Demand Accelerates - Catalent, Lonza, Procaps Group, Aenova Group, and Sirio Pharma Lead the Industry

Global Softgel Capsules Market to Reach $12.49 Billion by 2031 as Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Demand Accelerates - Catalent, Lonza, Procaps Group, Aenova Group, and Sirio Pharma Lead the Industry Dublin, Sept. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Softgel Capsules - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global softgel capsules market is projected to grow from USD 8.86 billion in 2025 to USD 9.38 billion in 2026, reaching USD 12.49 billion by 2031. The market is expected to register a compound annual growth rate of 5.9% from 2026 to 2031, supported by pharmaceutical innovation, increasing nutraceutical consumption, an aging population, and growing demand for convenient dosage formats.

Technological Advancements Strengthen Softgel Capsule Market Growth

Pharmaceutical companies are increasing research and development investments in drug delivery technologies that improve bioavailability, particularly for poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients. Softgel capsules are gaining attention because of their compatibility with liquid and semi-solid formulations, as well as their potential to support faster product development and differentiated drug delivery.

Recent formulation advances are helping manufacturers shorten preparation and scale-up timelines. Evonik's EUDRAGIT FL 30 D-55, for example, can reduce preparation times by 70%, supporting more efficient development and manufacturing processes. Patent activity involving thioureylene liquids for hyperthyroidism and Bacopa monnieri complexes also highlights the versatility of softgel technology across pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Integrated contract development and manufacturing organizations are further accelerating market expansion by combining formulation development, analytical services, clinical supply, and commercial production. This model reduces technology-transfer challenges and helps pharmaceutical and consumer health companies bring products to market more efficiently.

Health-Conscious Consumers Drive Demand for Plant-Based Softgel Capsules

Consumer preferences for plant-based ingredients, transparent labels, and ethically sourced products are increasing demand for non-animal softgel shells. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and pullulan are gaining adoption, while manufacturers continue to develop carrageenan- and pectin-based systems that meet dietary requirements without compromising capsule performance.

Capsules remain popular among supplement users because of swallowing convenience, odor masking, and compatibility with a wide range of active ingredients. In response, manufacturers are investing in vegan-certified production lines and expanding plant-based capsule capacity. These investments are reshaping softgel product development across dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care applications.

Gelatin remained the leading shell source in 2025, accounting for 81.72% of the softgel capsules market. Its established supply chain, mechanical strength, clarity, and manufacturing reliability continue to support widespread use. However, non-animal softgel shells are forecast to expand at a 6.9% CAGR as consumer preferences and regulatory scrutiny encourage greater material diversification.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose shells offer moisture protection and rapid disintegration, while pullulan provides oxygen-barrier properties suited to antioxidants and probiotics. Gelatin suppliers are also introducing specialized grades, including low-endotoxin bovine and porcine materials designed to comply with stringent pharmacopeial requirements. Market participants capable of switching efficiently between gelatin and plant-based production are positioned to address a broader customer base.

Stability and Regulatory Requirements Remain Key Challenges

Product leakage and reduced stability under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions remain significant challenges for softgel capsule manufacturers. Moisture absorption can weaken capsule seams, accelerate oxidation, and reduce shelf life, particularly for temperature-sensitive omega-3 formulations distributed in tropical markets.

Research published in 2024 emphasized the importance of optimizing shell formulations through differential scanning calorimetry and mechanical testing. Moisture-barrier coatings and advanced plasticizer blends have demonstrated potential, although broader commercial adoption will depend on regulatory clearance and scalable manufacturing performance. Stringent gelatin sourcing requirements and bovine spongiform encephalopathy-related regulations are also influencing procurement and formulation strategies.

Regional Softgel Capsules Market Outlook

North America led the global market with 33.22% of revenue in 2025. The region benefits from extensive pharmaceutical research pipelines, established manufacturing capacity, defined regulatory pathways, an aging population, and a mature e-commerce market for nutraceutical products. Pharmaceutical research incentives in Canada and cost-competitive fill-finish operations in Mexico complement the United States market.

Europe remains a major softgel manufacturing and consumption center, supported by strict quality standards and gelatin provenance requirements. Germany hosts established gelatin and vegan softgel production facilities, while Italy, France, and Spain maintain specialized contract manufacturing capabilities. Croatia and Poland are also attracting investment as cost-efficient production locations operating under European Union manufacturing standards.

Asia-Pacific is forecast to record the fastest regional growth, with a 7.7% CAGR through 2031. New manufacturing investments in Thailand, South Korea, and India are diversifying supply chains and expanding regional capacity. Sirio Pharma's USD 40 million facility in Thailand and SK pharmteco's USD 260 million expansion in South Korea reflect increasing investment momentum. Rising healthcare expenditure, urbanization, digital pharmacy adoption, and export opportunities are expected to sustain softgel capsule demand across the region.

Key Topics Covered

1 Introduction

1.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition

1.2 Scope of the Study

2 Research Methodology

3 Executive Summary

4 Market Landscape

4.1 Market Overview

4.2 Market Drivers

4.2.1 Technological Advancements and Rising R&D Spend

4.2.2 Growing Demand from Health-Conscious Consumers

4.2.3 Aging Population Seeking Easy-To-Swallow Formats

4.2.4 Precision Enteric Softgels for Biologics Pipeline

4.2.5 Subscription-Based Personalised Nutrition Models

4.2.6 APAC CDMO Capacity Race (Supply-Chain Security)

4.3 Market Restraints

4.3.1 Product Leakage and Heat-Humidity Stability Issues

4.3.2 Stringent Sourcing / BSE-Free Gelatin Regulations

4.3.3 Omega-3 Supply Volatility Inflating Fill Costs

4.3.4 Scale-Up Barriers for Plant-Based Shell Sealing

4.4 Regulatory Landscape

4.5 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

4.5.1 Threat of New Entrants

4.5.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers

4.5.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.5.4 Threat of Substitutes

4.5.5 Intensity of Rivalry

5 Market Size & Growth Forecasts (Value)

5.1 By Shell Source

5.1.1 Gelatin (Animal-based)

5.1.2 Non-animal-based

5.2 By Application

5.2.1 Pharmaceuticals

5.2.2 Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements

5.2.3 Cosmetics and Personal Care

5.2.4 Other Applications

5.3 By Geography

5.3.1 North America

5.3.1.1 United States

5.3.1.2 Canada

5.3.1.3 Mexico

5.3.2 Europe

5.3.2.1 Germany

5.3.2.2 United Kingdom

5.3.2.3 France

5.3.2.4 Italy

5.3.2.5 Spain

5.3.2.6 Rest of Europe

5.3.3 Asia-Pacific

5.3.3.1 China

5.3.3.2 Japan

5.3.3.3 India

5.3.3.4 Australia

5.3.3.5 South Korea

5.3.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific

5.3.4 Middle East and Africa

5.3.4.1 GCC

5.3.4.2 South Africa

5.3.4.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa

5.3.5 South America

5.3.5.1 Brazil

5.3.5.2 Argentina

5.3.5.3 Rest of South America

6 Competitive Landscape

6.1 Market Concentration

6.2 Market Share Analysis

6.3 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products & Services, and Recent Developments)

6.3.1 Catalent Inc.

6.3.2 Lonza (Capsugel)

6.3.3 Procaps Group (Softigel)

6.3.4 Aenova Group

6.3.5 Sirio Pharma

6.3.6 EuroCaps Ltd

6.3.7 CAPTEK Softgel International

6.3.8 Fuji Capsule Co., Ltd.

6.3.9 MEDGEL Co., Ltd.

6.3.10 Soft Gel Technologies, Inc.

6.3.11 Robinson Pharma

6.3.12 Best Formulations

6.3.13 Strides Pharma Science Ltd.

6.3.14 Patheon (Thermo Fisher Scientific)

6.3.15 Suheung Capsule Co.

6.3.16 CapsCanada Corp.

6.3.17 Rousselot (Bioactive Health)

6.3.18 GELITA AG

7 Market Opportunities & Future Outlook

7.1 White-space & Unmet-Need Assessment

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/76cof3

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.