Empty Gelatin Capsules

Required dosage
The required dosage comes down to how much of the active ingredient or ingredients is necessary for the product to be effective. You will need to decide how much of a dose you would like to be in each capsule e.G. 1000mg of vitamin c

This will then be combined with excipients to help the product flow through the machine. Once mixed this is known as a "mix".

You will need there to be the correct dose of ingredient within the mix in each capsule. If there is too much for one capsule you can either try to fit the powder in one capsules or you may want to consider spreading the dose over multiple capsules. E.G. Rather than 1 #000 capsule splitting it over 3 #00.

Volume of the mix
The volume of the mix will depend on the bulk density of the powders that make up your mix. We have a tool and guide on bulk density to help calculate the bulk density of your mix.

You need to know the bulk density of your mix so that you can work out how much active ingredient ends up in each capsule. It may result in you having to alter your mix slightly or spread the dose over more than one capsule.

Ease of swallowing
Sometimes the sizes can be selected simply by the physical size of the capsule. For example when choosing a capsule for a child or an animal who might not be able to swallow larger capsules.

The reason that size 00 and size 0 are the most commonly used capsules in manufacturing is that they have adequate volume for a lot of mixes as well as being easy for humans to swallow.

Type of capsule
Certain capsules such as pullulan are only available in certain sizes. Determining the type of capsule you would like to produce may dictate your choice.

Proper storage can prevent defects in empty gelatin capsules. 

Empty gelatin capsules contain more water than HPMC capsules and lose that water faster. The moisture content of empty gelatin capsules is between 13% and 16%; the moisture content of empty HPMC capsules is between 3% and 8%.

It is important to note that environmental conditions have a significant impact on empty capsules because their moisture content gradually reaches equilibrium with the relative humidity level of the surroundings. They can easily dry out or become too wet if every step of the production process, including warehouse, storage, transportation, filling and packaging, is not controlled.

The conditions required to keep the moisture content of the capsules within the desired range are:

Gelatin is a white or light yellow, translucent, micro-glossy sheet or powder that is degraded by collagen in connective tissue such as animal skin, bone, and sarcolemma. It is a hydrophilic colloid of macromolecules and is a low-calorie health food with high nutritional value. This material can generally be used to make confectionery additives, frozen food additives, and the like. In addition, gelatin is widely used in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

The water and inorganic salts in gelatin account for about 16%, and the protein content accounts for more than 82%. Similar to the parent collagen, gelatin is also composed of 18 kinds of amino acids, among which the content of the sub-amino acids Pro and Hyp is high. The triple helix structure in gelatin gel mainly relies on intramolecular hydrogen bonding and hydrogen bonding hydration. Pro-NH, Hyp-OH and other amino acid side chain groups and water molecules can form hydrogen bonds, which is beneficial to the triple helix. The structure is stable. It is an effective protective colloid that prevents the accumulation of crystals or ions and stabilizes the heterogeneous suspension as an emulsifier in oil-in-water dispersion formulations.

Most capsules are made of gelatin. This grade of gelatin meets the stringent requirements for pharmaceutical products. In general, the capsule manufacturing process has the following steps. First, a layer of gelatin film is formed on a stainless-steel mold. The capsule is formed after the film has dried and hardened. Finally take it off the mold. The mold is available in two sizes for the capsule body and the capsule cap (slightly larger).

Another large class of capsules are plant capsules. The outer shell of a plant capsule is generally prepared from a material such as starch, HPMC, Pullulan. With the popularity of natural and vegetarian concepts, this vegetarian capsule has been widely filled in the pharmaceutical market in many countries around the world. Vegetarian capsules can be divided into various types, such as pullulan capsules and HPMC (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) capsules. Pullulan is an extracellular water-soluble mucopolysaccharide similar to dextran or xanthan gum produced by fermentation of Aureobasidium pullulans. It was in 1938 by R. A special microbial polysaccharide found by Bauer. Due to the unique structure and properties of the polysaccharide, it has broad application prospects in the pharmaceutical, food, petroleum, chemical and other industries. Because it can be degraded and utilized by microorganisms in nature, it will not cause environmental pollution, so it is known as pollution-free plastics.

Maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels
Maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels is essential to maintaining the quality of your empty gelatin capsules. Store capsules in a cool, dry place with a constant temperature between 58°f and 79°f. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, hot water, and high temperatures, as high temperatures can cause capsules to deform or become brittle. Maintain humidity levels between 35% and 55% to prevent moisture absorption, which can cause the capsules to swell, stick, or dissolve. Use a dehumidifier or climate control system in your storage area to regulate these conditions effectively. By monitoring and controlling temperature and humidity, you can ensure that your capsules remain in optimal condition for a longer period of time. Also, keep in mind that capsules typically expire within five years of their manufacturing date, but most capsules have a shelf life of about seven years if stored properly. For dry powders, use standard vegetarian and gelatin capsules, while for oil-based liquids, use vegetarian oil-grade capsules.

Choosing the right storage container for your empty gelatin capsules
Choosing the right storage container for your empty gelatin capsules is essential to maintaining their quality. Choose a moisture-proof, airtight container to prevent any damage or contamination. Consider using clear containers so that different sizes and types of capsules can be easily identified. Additionally, labeling each container with the specific contents can help with efficient organization and retrieval. Invest in high-quality storage solutions that are durable and stackable to save space and keep your storage area tidy. By choosing the right storage containers, you can ensure that your empty gelatin capsules remain in optimal condition for future use.

Organize empty gelatin capsules by size, shape, and type
Once you have found the right sealed containers for your empty gelatin capsules, the next step is to organize them effectively. Sort the capsules by size, shape, and type to make it easier to find the capsules you need in the future. Consider using separate containers or compartments for different sizes or types of capsules to avoid mix-ups. Clearly label each container to ensure quick and easy identification. By systematically sorting your empty gelatin capsules, you can increase efficiency, prevent mix-ups, and maintain an organized storage system.

Label and track empty gelatin capsules inventory
Labeling and tracking your empty gelatin capsule inventory is essential to staying organized and efficient. Create a detailed inventory list noting the quantity, type, and expiration date of each capsule. Implement a labeling system on your containers that corresponds to your inventory list for easy reference. Refresh your inventory regularly and rotate stock to prioritize older capsules. By effectively tracking and labeling your empty gelatin capsules, you can ensure easy access and prevent waste due to expiration. Focus on these organizational practices to maximize the shelf life and availability of your empty gelatin capsules.

Maintaining a clean and tidy storage area for your empty gelatin capsules
Is essential to maintaining their quality. Designate a specific area in your storage facility that is clean, dry, and away from direct sunlight or heat. Utilize storage containers or racks to keep your empty gelatin capsules neatly organized and easily accessible. Clean and inspect your storage area regularly to prevent capsules from becoming contaminated or damaged. By establishing a clean and tidy storage space, you can extend the shelf life of your empty gelatin capsules and ensure they remain in optimal condition for future use.

Choose your ideal raw materials
We already know that these ingredients come from gelatin. However, you need to also decide on which animal you're getting the gelatin from, as well as the part of the animal that you'll be working with.

Make your original solution
Next, you combine this gelatin with some water to create the perfect solution for you. Remember to keep an eye on the ratio of water to gelatin so you can get the right solution consistency.

You can add plasticizers if you want
This step isn't 100% necessary. But, if you want a more flexible material that isn't so bitter, then you're free to add it.

Mold your capsule
Now, you're starting to get into the capsule creation itself. With a capsule molding machine, you create two halves of the capsule. Remember to have the right gel cap sizes and the right size of the full product itself.

Dry it out
Once you've created your capsule, you take it to a drying room where all excess moisture is taken out. This allows the capsule to maintain its shape and promotes its stability to a considerable degree.

Make the final adjustments
Trim the edges of the dried capsules to make sure that you have a uniform build. Then, combine the bodies and caps to form your complete product. In some cases, this joining process might involve some heating to create that perfect seam.

Don't forget to inspect your capsule
At the end of the day, this is a product that you will consume. So, remember to have the right quality control steps and follow them to make sure you have a reliable final product.

Package it & ship out
Once you confirm that the capsules are up to code, you can place them in containers and send them out.

Jiangxi Linquan Capsule Co., Ltd. was founded in 1994 and has two production bases with a total area of 106,000㎡ and a building area of 49,000㎡. It is one of the main capsule manufacturers in Jiangxi and Guangxi provinces and a key national capsule production enterprise! There are more than 260 employees, over 60 professional and technical personnel, and 15 foreign trade personnel.

The production workshop follows GMP standards and is sterile, ensuring that every production process is under strict quality control. The workshop trains experienced operators and supervisors to ensure that no pollution sources can enter the workshop.
We have 36 fully automatic capsule production lines with an annual production capacity of up to 30 billion capsules.

The newly upgraded plant-based hollow capsules are made from HPMC, a derivative of plant cellulose. No preservatives are added during production, no ethylene oxide is used for sterilization, and there are no toxic or harmful substances. Gelatin capsules are made from 100% bovine bone raw materials, which have passed CEP certification.

Our products meet special religious, cultural, and dietary needs, effectively avoiding the risk of animal-borne diseases. Compared with traditional gelatin capsules, plant-based hollow capsules have unique advantages such as low water content, strong chemical stability, high toughness, no brittleness, and dissolution that is not affected by pH values.