{"id":3346,"date":"2026-09-03T02:00:38","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T18:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.loteriacalaratjada.com\/blog\/?p=3346"},"modified":"2026-09-03T02:00:38","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T18:00:38","slug":"what-are-the-common-materials-used-for-liquid-filled-hard-capsules-4421-65ce72","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.loteriacalaratjada.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/03\/what-are-the-common-materials-used-for-liquid-filled-hard-capsules-4421-65ce72\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the common materials used for liquid filled hard capsules?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hey there! I’m a supplier of liquid filled hard capsules, and I’ve been in this game for quite a while. One question I get asked a lot is, "What are the common materials used for liquid filled hard capsules?" Well, I’m here to break it down for you. Liquid Filled Hard Capsules<\/a><\/p>\n

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Gelatin<\/h3>\n

Let’s start with gelatin. It’s probably the most widely used material for hard capsules, whether they’re filled with liquid or not. Gelatin is a protein that’s derived from animal collagen, usually from cows or pigs. It’s got some great properties that make it ideal for capsule manufacturing.<\/p>\n

First off, gelatin is super flexible. When it’s made into a capsule shell, it can easily be filled with liquid without cracking. It’s also transparent or semi – transparent, which means you can actually see what’s inside the capsule. This is a big plus for consumers who like to know exactly what they’re taking.<\/p>\n

Another advantage of gelatin is its solubility. In the human body, gelatin capsules dissolve pretty quickly, releasing the liquid contents inside. This ensures that the active ingredients in the liquid can be absorbed efficiently by the body.<\/p>\n

But there are a few downsides to gelatin too. For one, it’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans because it comes from animals. Also, gelatin can be affected by humidity. If the storage conditions aren’t right, the capsules can stick together or become brittle.<\/p>\n

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)<\/h3>\n

Next up is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, or HPMC for short. HPMC is a plant – based alternative to gelatin. It’s made from cellulose, which is a natural polymer found in plants.<\/p>\n

One of the main reasons HPMC is becoming so popular is its vegetarian and vegan – friendly nature. People who follow plant – based diets can take capsules made from HPMC without any concerns.<\/p>\n

HPMC capsules are also very stable. They’re not as affected by humidity as gelatin capsules, so they can be stored in a wider range of conditions. This is a huge advantage for manufacturers and distributors who might have to ship the capsules to different parts of the world with varying climates.<\/p>\n

In terms of performance, HPMC capsules dissolve well in the body. They might take a little longer to dissolve compared to gelatin capsules, but they still release the liquid contents effectively. And they’re just as good at holding liquid as gelatin capsules.<\/p>\n

Pullulan<\/h3>\n

Pullulan is another interesting material for liquid filled hard capsules. It’s a polysaccharide that’s produced by a type of fungus. Pullulan has some unique properties that make it a great choice for certain applications.<\/p>\n

One of the cool things about pullulan is its high oxygen barrier. This means that if the liquid inside the capsule is sensitive to oxidation, pullulan capsules can help protect it. Oxidation can cause the degradation of active ingredients in the liquid, so a good oxygen barrier is really important.<\/p>\n

Pullulan capsules are also very biodegradable. In an era where environmental concerns are on the rise, this is a major selling point. They break down easily in the environment, reducing the carbon footprint.<\/p>\n

Like HPMC, pullulan is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. And it has good solubility in the body, ensuring proper release of the liquid contents.<\/p>\n

Starch<\/h3>\n

Starch is a natural polymer that can also be used to make liquid filled hard capsules. Starch is widely available and relatively inexpensive, which makes it an attractive option for some manufacturers.<\/p>\n

Starch – based capsules are usually made from modified starches. These are starches that have been chemically or physically altered to improve their properties for capsule manufacturing.<\/p>\n

One advantage of starch capsules is their ability to be customized. By modifying the starch, manufacturers can adjust the capsule’s solubility, strength, and other characteristics. This allows them to create capsules that are tailored to specific liquid formulations.<\/p>\n

Starch capsules are also generally well – tolerated by the body. They dissolve in the digestive tract and release the liquid contents in a timely manner. However, they might not be as strong as gelatin or HPMC capsules, so they need to be handled with a bit more care during manufacturing and filling.<\/p>\n

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)<\/h3>\n

Polyvinyl Alcohol, or PVA, is a synthetic polymer that can be used for liquid filled hard capsules. PVA has some unique properties that set it apart from the other materials we’ve discussed.<\/p>\n

PVA capsules are very strong and resistant to breakage. They can withstand a lot of pressure during the manufacturing and filling process, as well as during transportation. This makes them a good choice for products that need to be shipped long distances or stored in rough conditions.<\/p>\n

PVA also has good barrier properties against moisture and oxygen. This helps to protect the liquid contents of the capsule from degradation. And like some of the other materials, PVA capsules dissolve in the body, releasing the active ingredients.<\/p>\n

However, PVA is a synthetic material, and some consumers might have concerns about using products made from synthetic polymers. Also, the production of PVA can have a higher environmental impact compared to some of the natural materials.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

So there you have it, the common materials used for liquid filled hard capsules. Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of material depends on a variety of factors. These factors include the nature of the liquid formulation, the target market (such as vegetarian or vegan consumers), storage and transportation requirements, and cost.<\/p>\n

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As a supplier of liquid filled hard capsules, I’ve got a lot of experience working with these different materials. I can help you choose the right material for your specific product. Whether you’re a pharmaceutical company, a nutraceutical company, or a food and beverage company, I’m here to provide you with high – quality liquid filled hard capsules.<\/p>\n

Enteric Coated Capsules<\/a> If you’re interested in learning more about our liquid filled hard capsules or want to discuss your specific requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s have a chat and see how we can work together to bring your product to the market.<\/p>\n

References<\/h3>\n