Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market 2025 to Grow at 5.6 CAGR with 1.1 billion Market Size: Analysis and Forecasts 2033

Key Insights

The size of the Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market was valued at USD 1.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1.61 billion by 2033, with an expected CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Pharmaceutical gelatin is a high-purity, water-soluble protein derived from collagen, primarily sourced from bovine or porcine skin and bones. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxic nature. Gelatin serves as a crucial ingredient in the production of hard and soft gelatin capsules, enabling the encapsulation of drugs, vitamins, and supplements with improved stability and controlled release. Additionally, it functions as a binder, stabilizer, and thickening agent in tablets, syrups, emulsions, and vaccines. Pharmaceutical-grade gelatin possesses excellent film-forming and gelling properties, making it ideal for wound dressings, hemostatic sponges, and tissue engineering applications. Its ability to dissolve at body temperature enhances drug bioavailability, facilitating faster absorption. Gelatin is also used in hemostatic agents to control bleeding during surgeries. The manufacturing process involves rigorous purification steps to ensure compliance with stringent safety and quality standards set by regulatory authorities such as the USP, EP, and FDA. Factors such as bloom strength, viscosity, and molecular weight determine its suitability for various pharmaceutical formulations. With its multifunctional properties and biocompatibility, pharmaceutical gelatin continues to play a vital role in modern drug delivery and biomedical applications. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for gelatin in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the production of capsules and tablets. Gelatin is a natural protein derived from animal collagen, and is well-suited for pharmaceutical applications due to its biocompatibility, solubility, and gelling properties. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases, along with increasing healthcare expenditure in developing countries, is also contributing to market growth. Key market players include Nitta Gelatin, Inc., Gelita AG, and Rousselot.

Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market Concentration & Characteristics

The Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market is moderately concentrated, with major players accounting for a significant share of the global market. The industry is characterized by ongoing innovation, with companies investing in research and development to enhance product functionality and efficiency. Regulations governing the production and use of gelatin play a crucial role in shaping market dynamics. Product substitutes, such as vegetable-based alternatives, may also impact market growth. The end user concentration is moderately high, with the pharmaceutical industry accounting for the largest share of gelatin consumption. The level of M&A activity in the market is relatively low due to the presence of established players with strong market positions.

Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market Trends

• Growing demand for hard and soft gelatin capsules: The increasing adoption of gelatin capsules in the pharmaceutical industry is a key market trend. Gelatin capsules provide advantages such as biocompatibility, reduced risk of drug-excipient interactions, and ease of manufacturing.
• Surge in the use of gelatin in tablets: Gelatin is also increasingly used as a binder and disintegrant in tablet formulations. Its ability to control drug release and improve dissolution properties is driving its demand in this application.
• Growing adoption of absorbable hemostats: Gelatin-based absorbable hemostats are gaining popularity in medical procedures due to their ability to control bleeding effectively.
• Technological advancements in gelatin production: Advancements in gelatin extraction and purification techniques are enhancing product quality and efficiency. These advancements are also leading to the development of novel gelatin-based products with improved functionality.
• Increasing awareness of the benefits of gelatin: The growing awareness of gelatin's nutritional and functional properties is driving demand in the food and dietary supplement industries.

Key Region or Country & Segment to Dominate the Market

• Type: Type B gelatin is the dominant type in the market, accounting for a larger share than Type A gelatin. This dominance is attributed to the superior properties of Type B gelatin, including its higher gel strength and clarity.
• Source: Bovine gelatin is the most widely used source, followed by porcine gelatin. The availability and cost-effectiveness of bovine gelatin contribute to its market dominance.
• Function: Gelatin's gelling and adhesion properties make it crucial in capsule and tablet manufacturing. These functions account for a significant share of the market.
• Application: Capsules are the largest application segment in the Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market, followed by tablets. The ease of use and versatility of gelatin capsules in delivering a wide range of drugs drive their demand.

Driving Forces: What's Propelling the Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market

• Growing demand for gelatin in pharmaceutical applications: The rising prevalence of chronic diseases and increasing healthcare expenditure are driving the demand for gelatin-based drugs and medical devices.
• Technological advancements: Innovations in gelatin production and purification techniques are improving product quality and efficiency, expanding market opportunities.
• Expansion into new applications: The exploration of gelatin's properties in new applications, such as wound healing and tissue engineering, is creating growth avenues.

Challenges and Restraints in Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market

• Competition from alternative materials: Vegetable-based alternatives and synthetic polymers are gaining traction as substitutes for gelatin, posing a competitive challenge.
• Regulatory compliance: Stringent regulations governing gelatin production and use can increase production costs and limit market growth.
• Concerns about animal-derived products: Ethical and religious concerns about the use of animal-derived products may hinder market growth in certain regions.

Emerging Trends in Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market

• Development of bioengineered gelatin: Advancements in biotechnology are enabling the production of bioengineered gelatin, offering potential advantages in terms of purity and consistency.
• Exploration of novel applications: Research is ongoing to investigate the use of gelatin in drug delivery systems, biomaterials, and cosmetics, expanding its market potential.
• Increasing focus on sustainability: The development of sustainable gelatin production practices is gaining importance, including the use of byproducts and waste streams from other industries.

Pharmaceutical Gelatin Industry News

In May 2022, Capsugel enhanced its titanium dioxide-free capsule line by offering white firm gelatin capsules without titanium dioxide (TiO2-free). The new titanium dioxide-free capsule is based on crystalline salts and provides similar masking and whitening as titanium dioxide capsules. The product provides great light shielding and opacity.

Leading Players in the Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market

• Nitta Gelatin, Inc.
• Gelita AG
• Tessenderlo Group (PB Leiner)
• Weishardt
• Trobas Gelatine B.V.
• Lonza
• India Gelatine & Chemicals Ltd
• Gelnex
• Juncà Gelatines SL
• ITALGEL S.p.A

Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market Segmentation

• 1. Type
  • 1.1. Type A
  • 1.2. Type B
• 2. Source
  • 2.1. Porcine
  • 2.2. Bovine
  • 2.3. Fish
  • 2.4. Poultry
• 3. Function
  • 3.1. Stabilizers
  • 3.2. Thickeners
  • 3.3. Gelling agents
  • 3.4. Film forming
  • 3.5. Adhesion
  • 3.6. Other functions
• 4. Application
  • 4.1. Capsules
    • 4.1.1. Hard capsules
    • 4.1.2. Soft capsules
  • 4.2. Tablets
  • 4.3. Absorbable hemostats
  • 4.4. Other applications

Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market Segmentation By Geography

• 1. North America
  • 1.1. U.S.
  • 1.2. Canada
• 2. Europe
  • 2.1. Germany
  • 2.2. UK
  • 2.3. France
  • 2.4. Spain
  • 2.5. Italy
  • 2.6. Rest of Europe
• 3. Asia Pacific
  • 3.1. Japan
  • 3.2. China
  • 3.3. India
  • 3.4. Australia
  • 3.5. South Korea
  • 3.6. Rest of Asia Pacific
• 4. Latin America
  • 4.1. Brazil
  • 4.2. Mexico
  • 4.3. Rest of Latin America
• 5. Middle East & Africa
  • 5.1. South Africa
  • 5.2. Saudi Arabia
  • 5.3. Rest of Middle East & Africa