Capsule Filling Machines Market Size and Trends

Global capsule filling machines market size is estimated to be valued at US$ 2.39 Bn in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 3.33 Bn by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2023 to 2030. Capsule filling machines are used to fill capsules with powder, granules, tablets, or liquid formulations in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. Growing pharmaceutical industry, increasing nutraceutical supplement consumption, and rising demand for capsule-based dosage forms are key factors driving the market growth.

Global Capsule Filling Machines Market Drivers:

Increasing pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturing: Growing pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries globally is a major driver for the capsule filling machines market. Capsules are an efficient dosage form for administering pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals due to benefits such as masking taste and odor, improved bioavailability and precise dosing. Increasing number of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical drugs as well as dietary supplements being launched in capsule form is contributing to the growing demand for capsule fillers. According to Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd., in May 2023, advancements in machinery and cutting-edge facilities have significantly streamlined the manufacturing process. Specifically, the preparation of drugs like capsule filling has become more efficient than ever before, due to technological innovations and expertise of professionals.
Growth in generics and biologics markets: Increasing number of blockbuster drugs going off-patent has led to significant growth of the generics market. The rise in biologics drug development is also propelling the market growth as many biologic molecules and vaccines are filled into capsules. Capsule fillers enable generics and biologics manufacturers to produce capsules at an industrial scale with high output. This creates substantial demand for advanced automated filling machines.
Technological advancements in capsule fillers: Pharmaceutical equipment manufacturers are consistently integrating new technologies into capsule fillers to improve efficiency, enhance quality control, and meet regulatory compliance standards. Advanced features such as automated weight checking systems, vision inspection systems, sealing force monitoring, dust control technologies and integration capabilities with ERP software have improved the functionality of modern capsule fillers. This is boosting their adoption across end user segments.
Demand for capsule dosage forms: Increasing consumer demand for capsule-based drug delivery and shift away from tablets is propelling the capsule filling machines market. Capsules are preferred due to their ease of swallowing, flexible dosing, and availability in different sizes, and colors. Capsules also mask taste and odor of active ingredients, unlike tablets. These benefits are fueling the demand for capsule dosage forms, thereby driving capsule filler sales.

Global Capsule Filling Machines Market Trends:

Integrated capsule filling lines: A prominent trend is the development of integrated capsule filling lines which automate multiple processes in a single system. This includes steps such as capsule sorting, visual inspection, precise dosing, sealing, weight control, de-dusting, metal detection, and more. Integrated lines minimize human intervention, boost productivity and improve quality control.
Use of internet-of-things (IoT) and analytics: Incorporating smart technologies such as IoT, sensors, and data analytics into capsule fillers is an emerging trend. Connected machines generate performance data that is leveraged for predictive maintenance, efficiency improvements, and better decision making. Analytics enable analysis of machine condition, output parameters, and product quality to optimize the filling process. In May 2023, IMA Coffee debuts the SYNKRO machine designed for fast capsule filling and sealing.
Custom capsule filling solutions: Provider firms are increasingly focused on offering tailored capsule filling machines that are suited to client needs in terms of output capacity, capsule specifications, dosing requirements, and other custom aspects. Configurable modular machines allow adaptation to different capsule sizes and integration of additional functionalities based on application needs.
Automated capsule counter-fillers: Automated systems that combine capsule counting/sorting with precision filling and sealing in a single machine are becoming popular. Automated counter-fillers minimize human intervention and improve productivity and accuracy as compared to separate capsule counting and filling units. This supports lean and flexible capsule manufacturing.