HPMC Capsules

Types of HPMC Capsules

Colored Vegetarian Capsules

Colored Vegetarian Capsules are made from 100% natural, plant-based materials. They are free from preservatives, GMOs, and allergens, making them an excellent choice for vegans and individuals with dietary restrictions. Furthermore, the capsules are available in a range of colors, adding variety to your supplement routine.

Vegetarian Gelatin Capsules

For those who prefer to avoid animal-based products, vegetarian gelatin capsules are an excellent alternative to traditional gel capsules. These capsules are made from plant-based materials such as cellulose or starches, providing a highly digestible and healthy option for consumers.

Empty Vegetarian Capsules

Empty Vegetarian Capsules are perfect for those who are looking for a healthier way to take their supplements or medicines. These capsules are made from plant-based materials only, making them the ideal choice for vegetarians, vegans, and those who are health-conscious.

Organic Vegetable Capsules

Organic vegetable capsules are a popular choice for people who want to avoid animal-based products. Made from plant cellulose, they are perfect for people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. They are also ideal for people with religious or cultural dietary restrictions.

Advantages of HPMC Capsules

Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly
One of the most significant advantages of HPMC capsules is their suitability for vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. As they are derived from plant cellulose, HPMC capsules provide a cruelty-free alternative to gelatin capsules, which are sourced from animal collagen. This aligns with the increasing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable products and expands the market reach of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies.

Non Toxic & Easily Digestible
HPMC used to make the vegetarian capsules are non-toxic and are easily digestible. It simply passes through the body without adverse effects. On the other hand, studies are showing that animal based gelatin may cause allergic-reactions. These symptoms can cause itchy mouth, swelling, vomiting etc. Hence this allergen free profile of vegetarian capsules enhances the safety and acceptance of HPMC capsules in diverse patient populations, including pediatric and geriatric demographics.

Reduced Bacteria Growth
HPMC capsules inherently possess a reduced tendency for bacterial growth. There are more chances in Animal based materials, such as gelatin for microbial growth due to its organic nature and proteins found in these materials.

Composition of HPMC Capsules

Hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose (HPMC)
HPMC is the main ingredient used in the manufacturing process originated from the wood pulp of softwood trees such as Pine and Spruce. HPMC is associated with the group of cellulose ethers where the hydroxy group is substituted at one or more hydroxyl groups in the cellulose ring.

Plasticizers
Plasticizers are used to reduce rigidity in capsules shell, induce flexibility and make it extra pliable such as sorbitol and glycerine. The ratio of plasticizers in hard gelatin capsules is approximately lower than HPMC capsules (0.4:1).

Water
Purified water is added depending upon storage conditions and manufacturing requirements.

Opacifiers
Opacifiers are used in the capsules manufacturing process in order to get an opaque system, for instance, titanium dioxide (TiO2). Opacifiers are extensively used in making paint, glass, plastic, and pharmaceutical dosage formulations such as capsules. Another important property of using an opacifier is to conceal and protect the filling content used in the capsule shell against biodegradation as well as photodegradation.

Colorants
Colorants are used to impart various colors to capsules. The addition of colorant may improve patient compliance and lowers the risk of errors during dispensing and administering a drug. For instance, dies, lakes, minerals, pigments, or mica.

What Are the Different Sizes of HPMC Capsules?

Size 000
Size 000 HPMC capsules have the ability to hold approximately 163mg.

Size 00
Size 00 HPMC capsules can hold approximately 118mg.

Size 0
Size 00 HPMC capsules have the ability to hold approximately 95mg.

Size 1
Size 1 HPMC capsules have the ability to hold approximately 75mg.

Size 2
Size 2 HPMC capsules can hold approximately 60mg.

Size 3
Size 3 HPMC capsules have the ability to hold approximately 47mg.

Size 4
Size 4 HPMC capsules have the ability to hold approximately 38mg.

HPMC Capsule Manufacturing Process

Material Preparation

The first step in the HPMC capsule manufacturing process is material preparation. This involves selecting high-quality HPMC material that is suitable for use in the manufacturing process. The HPMC material is typically supplied in powder form and must be thoroughly mixed and blended in order to ensure consistency and uniformity.

Capsule Formation

The next step is capsule formation. HPMC capsules are typically manufactured using a process called thermoforming, which involves heating the HPMC material to a specific temperature and then molding it into the desired shape and size using specialized equipment. The molding process typically takes place in a cleanroom environment in order to minimize the risk of contamination.

Capsule Joining

Once the two pieces of the capsule have been formed, they are joined together using a specialized sealing process. This typically involves applying heat and pressure to the edges of the two capsule pieces in order to melt the HPMC material and fuse the two pieces together.

Quality Control

Once the capsules have been formed and joined, they undergo a rigorous quality control process to ensure that they meet the highest standards of quality and safety. This typically involves a series of tests and inspections to ensure that the capsules are free from defects, properly sealed, and meet the specifications of the manufacturer and the end consumer.

Packaging and Distribution

The final step in the HPMC capsule manufacturing process is packaging and distribution. The capsules are typically packaged in airtight containers in order to protect them from external factors such as moisture and light. They are then labeled and shipped to distributors and retailers for sale to the end consumer.

Key Differences Between HPMC Capsules and Gelatin Capsules

Feature	HPMC Capsules	Gelatin Capsules
Source	Plant-derived cellulose	Animal by-products (usually bovine or porcine)
Dietary Restrictions	Suitable for vegans and vegetarians	Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians
Religious or Cultural Considerations	More flexible on Kosher and Halal standards	Can be certified Kosher and Halal, but the animals must be slaughtered according to specific religious rituals
Allergen-Free	Yes, typically hypoallergenic	May contain allergens
Stability in Heat	More stable in high temperatures	Less stable; can soften or melt in heat
Moisture Sensitivity	Less sensitive, good for moisture-sensitive ingredients	More sensitive to moisture, can cause softening or stickiness
Taste and Odor	Neutral, no taste or odor	Typically tasteless and odorless
Aftertaste	Generally no aftertaste	May have a slight aftertaste
Dissolution Time	Slightly longer dissolution in the body	Generally dissolve faster
Transparency	Often clear, semi-transparent, or opaque	Usually opaque, but available in clear versions
Applications	Ideal for plant-based supplements, probiotics, and moisture-sensitive products	Commonly used for vitamins, fish oils, and pharmaceuticals
Customization	Can provide controlled release options	Standard release properties
Market Appeal	Broader appeal due to dietary flexibility	Established but limited to certain diets
Cost	Generally more expensive than gelatin	Usually less expensive
Shelf Life	Longer shelf life, less prone to degrading	Shorter shelf life, can become tacky or brittle over time

How Does the Company Ensure Product Quality?

Raw Material Control

Only high-quality gelatin and HPMC that meet American standards are used to make our capsules. Based on natural wood fiber, it does not contain genetically modified organisms, meets GMP standards, is safe and environmentally friendly, and can effectively avoid the potential risk of diseases of animal origin. BSE certificate can be provided according to customer needs.

Production Control

Personnel management norms. All production personnel take up their posts after passing technical training, with an average working time of 15 years. Have the ability to implement GMP standard operating practices. Each batch of finished products is fully inspected in accordance with the requirements of pharmacopoeia and other regulations in the target customer's region to ensure that the product quality meets the requirements.

Quality Control

LINQUAN capsule production equipment is from the international advanced automatic production equipment, from the sol → production→ testing → warehousing of the whole process automation, effectively improve the production efficiency, can ensure the consistency and stability of product quality. It has passed the technical review of the State Food and Drug Administration, and the registration status is "A", Kosher certification, halal HALAL certification, British BRC certification, American NSF certification, quality, environment, occupational health and safety system certification, energy management system certification and many other international certifications, which can meet the needs of customers in major countries and regions around the world.

Our Factory

Jiangxi Linquan Capsule Co., Ltd. was founded in 1994 and has two production bases with a total area of 106,000 m² and a building area of 49,000 m². There are more than 260 employees, over 60 professional and technical personnel, and 15 foreign trade personnel.

Workshop

The production workshop follows GMP specifications and is sterile, ensuring that every production process is under strict quality control. The workshop trains experienced operators and supervisors to ensure that any source of contamination cannot enter the workshop.

FAQ

Q: Are HPMC capsules safe?

A: Yes, HPMC capsules are considered safe for most consumers, including those with dietary restrictions such as vegetarians and vegans. They are free from animal products and have been approved for use in many countries worldwide.

Q: How long does it take to digest HPMC capsules?

A: HPMC has no natural taste, smell or colour, although many capsules will have colours added. Most people find HPMC easy to swallow. It also dissolves in the stomach quite quickly, often in just 5-10 minutes. Bovine gelatin capsules take longer to dissolve at more like 20 minutes.

Q: Do HPMC capsules dissolve in water?

A: Yes, HPMC is a water-soluble polymer that can dissolve in water. However, the rate and extent of dissolution depend on several factors, including the molecular weight, degree of substitution, and concentration of the polymer in the solution.

Q: What is the disintegration time of HPMC capsules?

A: Disintegration time for the HPMC capsules was 9 ± 2 min (range 6–11 min). The corresponding mean time for the gelatin capsules was 7 ± 4 min (range 3–13 min).

Q: What is the difference between pullulan and HPMC capsules?

A: Pullulan is a water-soluble polysaccharide containing plenty of hydroxyl groups which can form hydrogen bonds with water. HPMC is a water-swellable cellulose derivative containing methoxyl and hydroxypropyl groups which are difficult to form hydrogen bonds with water.

As one of the leading hpmc capsules manufacturers and suppliers in China, we warmly welcome you to wholesale high-grade hpmc capsules from our factory. All custom made capsules are with high quality and competitive price.

Size 0 Empty Gelatin Capsules, Size 4 Empty Capsules, Enteric Coated Hard Gelatin Capsules

HPMC Capsules

Your Professional HPMC Capsules Supplier

Vegetarian Gelatin Capsules

Empty Vegetarian Capsules

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Capsules

Green Capsules

Green Vegetable Capsules

Veggie Capsules

Organic Vegetable Capsules

Vegetarian Pill Capsules

Vegetable Pill Capsules

Veggie Supplement Capsules

Vegetarian Cellulose Capsule

Vitamin D Vegetarian Capsules

Types of HPMC Capsules

Advantages of HPMC Capsules

HPMC Capsule Manufacturing Process

Key Differences Between HPMC Capsules and Gelatin Capsules

How Does the Company Ensure Product Quality?

Raw Material Control

Production Control

Quality Control

Our Factory

Workshop

FAQ