The Global Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market size was valued at USD 1.71 billion in 2026 and the market is projected to reach USD 3.23 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.74% during the forecast period, 2026-2033.
The Global Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market refers to the production, processing, and supply of gelatin used in pharmaceutical applications including capsule manufacturing, tablet coatings, wound care products, and vaccine stabilizers. Pharmaceutical-grade gelatin is derived primarily from bovine and porcine sources and is valued for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and film-forming properties. It is essential in hard and soft gelatin capsules, providing a safe delivery medium for oral medications. Demand is influenced by pharmaceutical production volumes, regulatory standards for quality and safety, and shifts toward alternative or plant-based excipients.
The Global Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market is experiencing trends toward high-purity, specialized gelatin grades tailored for sensitive drug formulations and biologics. Manufacturers are investing in advanced purification technologies to meet stringent regulatory requirements and reduce contaminants. There is also growing research into non-animal and marine-derived gelatin alternatives to address ethical, religious, and allergy considerations. Demand for gelatin in emerging pharmaceutical sectors such as nutraceuticals and vaccines supports steady market expansion. Sustainability and traceability have become key focuses, with suppliers enhancing supply chain transparency.
Segmentation: The Global Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market is segmented by Source (Bovine Gelatin, Porcine Gelatin, Fish Gelatin and Other Animal Sources), Form (Powder Gelatin, Sheet Gelatin and Liquid Gelatin), Grade (Pharmaceutical Grade Gelatin, Food Grade Gelatin and Cosmetic Grade Gelatin), Application (Capsule Manufacturing (Hard and Soft Gelatin Capsules), Tablet Coating, Wound Care & Medical Films, Vaccines & Biologics Stabilizers and Other Applications), End User (Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, Nutraceutical Companies, Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and Research & Academic Institutions), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The report provides the value (in USD million) for the above segments.
Market Drivers:
A major driver of the Global Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market is the sustained growth in pharmaceutical production globally, driven by rising chronic diseases, aging populations, and expanded access to healthcare. Increased demand for capsules, tablets, and coated drugs directly supports gelatin consumption, as it remains a preferred excipient for oral solid dosage forms. For instance, in May 2025, Nitta Gelatin announced a INR 60 crore expansion in Kerala focused on collagen peptide production.
Additionally, growth in biologics, vaccines, and nutraceuticals that incorporate gelatin as stabilizers and coatings further boosts market demand. Pharmaceutical manufacturers prioritize gelatin for its safety, biocompatibility, and performance, maintaining strong consumption levels. As global drug manufacturing capacity increases, particularly in emerging markets, gelatin demand continues to rise.
Another key driver of the pharmaceutical gelatin market is growing consumer preference for capsule dosage forms, which are seen as more convenient, palatable, and fast-dissolving than traditional tablets. Capsules, especially soft gelatin variants, are favored for delivering nutraceuticals, probiotics, and specialty drugs. Gelatin’s excellent film-forming and dissolution characteristics make it ideal for encapsulating sensitive APIs and liquid formulations. Increasing health awareness and demand for personalized medicine also promote capsule usage. Pharmaceutical companies respond by expanding capsule portfolios, directly supporting gelatin consumption. This trend extends beyond traditional pharmaceuticals into dietary supplements, enhancing overall market growth.
Market Restraints:
A significant restraint on the Global Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market is ethical, religious, and cultural concerns related to animal-derived gelatin sources. Many consumers and healthcare providers prefer non-animal alternatives due to dietary restrictions, religious dietary laws (e.g., Halal and Kosher requirements), and ethical objections to animal products. These concerns drive preference for plant-based or synthetic excipients like HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), pectin, or alginate in certain regions. Pharmaceutical companies face pressure to offer alternative formulations to meet diverse market needs. This shift limits gelatin demand in specific populations and increases competition from non-animal excipient manufacturers, slowing growth in some segments of the market.
The Global Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market impacts economies and public health by supporting the production of essential medicines, vaccines, and drug delivery systems. As a critical excipient in capsules and coatings, gelatin contributes to medication accessibility and patient compliance. The industry provides agricultural linkages, generating income for livestock producers and gelatin manufacturers, particularly in regions with strong animal agriculture sectors. Job creation spans processing facilities, quality control labs, and logistics services. However, reliance on animal sources raises ethical and sustainability concerns for certain populations. Overall, the market enhances healthcare infrastructure, promotes pharmaceutical manufacturing growth, and supports global health initiatives.
Segmental Analysis:
The porcine gelatin segment was expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period due to its widespread availability, cost efficiency, and consistent quality. Porcine gelatin typically offers excellent gel strength and viscosity, making it ideal for pharmaceutical applications such as capsule shells, tablet coatings, and medical films. The expanding production of gelatin-based dosage forms in emerging markets further supported demand. Additionally, advancements in processing technologies enhanced purity and compliance with regulatory standards, reinforcing its preference among manufacturers. While religious restrictions may limit its use in some regions, porcine gelatin remained a dominant and rapidly growing segment globally due to its performance advantages.
The sheet gelatin segment was expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period because of its precise dosing and high purity, making it ideal for pharmaceutical applications requiring consistent performance. Sheet gelatin is commonly used in the production of hard and soft capsules, offering better control over thickness and uniformity compared to powder gelatin. It is also preferred in specialized applications such as wound care products and medical films where structural integrity is crucial. The growing demand for high-quality, reproducible gelatin grades in pharmaceutical manufacturing supported the segment’s expansion. Increased adoption by contract manufacturers and global capsule producers further strengthened its growth trajectory.
The wound care and medical films segment was expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period due to rising demand for advanced wound management solutions and biocompatible materials. Gelatin’s natural biodegradability, film-forming properties, and ability to support tissue regeneration made it a preferred choice in wound dressings, scaffolds, and surgical films. Growth in chronic wounds, surgical procedures, and an aging population increased demand for effective wound care products. Additionally, the rise of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering further expanded applications of gelatin-based films. Manufacturers invested in high-quality gelatin formulations to meet clinical performance requirements, driving segment growth.
The contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) segment was expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period due to increasing outsourcing trends in pharmaceutical production. Pharmaceutical companies increasingly relied on CMOs for cost-effective manufacturing, flexible capacity, and faster time-to-market. CMOs provided specialized capabilities in capsule filling, coating, and formulation development, driving demand for pharmaceutical-grade gelatin. Growth in small-molecule drugs, biologics, and nutraceuticals accelerated outsourcing, especially in regions with strong contract manufacturing infrastructure. Additionally, regulatory complexity and the need for scalable production encouraged pharma firms to partner with CMOs, boosting gelatin consumption and reinforcing the segment’s rapid growth.
North America was expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period due to strong pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing activity, high healthcare spending, and robust R&D investments.
The region hosted major gelatin producers and pharmaceutical companies, supporting consistent demand for high-quality gelatin for capsules, coatings, and medical applications. For instance, in December 2023, Darling Ingredients’ health brand Rousselot secured USPTO Patent No. US11795489B2 for StabiCaps, a specialized gelatin designed to improve soft gel capsule stability and enhance active ingredient release. This patent strengthened North America’s pharmaceutical gelatin market by reinforcing innovation and intellectual property protection, encouraging adoption of advanced gelatin formulations, and supporting higher demand for premium-grade gelatin in soft gel capsule manufacturing and formulation optimization.
Furthermore, the growing adoption of advanced drug delivery systems and rising biologics production further fueled gelatin use. Regulatory requirements for product safety and traceability also drove demand for premium pharmaceutical-grade gelatin. Additionally, the presence of leading contract manufacturers and increasing outsourcing trends supported market expansion, positioning North America as the fastest-growing region in the global pharmaceutical gelatin market.
The competitive landscape of the Global Pharmaceutical Gelatin Market consists of major raw material suppliers, gelatin processors, and pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturers. Key players differentiate through product quality, regulatory compliance, supply reliability, and certification (e.g., Halal, Kosher). Companies invest in R&D to develop tailored gelatin grades for specialty applications and maintain strong relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Strategic collaborations, mergers, and capacity expansions are common to capture growing demand. Geographic diversification and robust distribution networks help firms access regional markets. Competitive pressure also drives innovation in alternative or complementary excipient solutions. Market leadership often hinges on maintaining consistent quality, traceability, and compliance with global pharmaceutical standards.
The major players for this market are:
Recent Development
Q1. What are the main growth-driving factors for this market?
The market is primarily driven by the rising demand for hard and soft capsules in the aging global population. Increased pharmaceutical R&D for drug delivery systems and the popularity of gelatin as a natural, biodegradable excipient enhance its appeal. Furthermore, the growing nutraceutical industry relies heavily on gelatin for vitamin supplements.
Q2. What are the main restraining factors for this market?
Strict cultural and religious dietary restrictions regarding animal-derived products, such as Halal or Kosher requirements, significantly limit bovine and porcine gelatin adoption. Additionally, the rise of plant-based alternatives like HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) poses a competitive threat. Potential risks of animal-borne diseases also lead to stringent, costly regulatory oversight and safety testing.
Q3. Which segment is expected to witness high growth?
The softgel capsules segment is expected to witness the highest growth due to its superior bioavailability and ability to encapsulate liquid or oily medications. Innovations in "enteric" gelatin, which prevents stomach irritation by delaying drug release, are further boosting this segment. Its consumer preference for ease of swallowing remains high.
Q4. Who are the top major players for this market?
The market is led by industry giants such as Gelita AG, Rousselot (a Darling Ingredients brand), and PB Leiner (Tessenderlo Group). These companies maintain dominance through extensive global supply chains and high-purity standards. Other significant players include Nitta Gelatin and Weishardt, which focus on specialized medical-grade collagen and gelatin products.
Q5. Which country is the largest player?
The United States remains the largest player in the pharmaceutical gelatin market due to its sophisticated healthcare infrastructure and high consumption of dietary supplements. However, China is rapidly closing the gap, driven by massive domestic production capacities and an expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing sector aimed at both domestic use and global exports.
Data Library Research are conducted by industry experts who offer insight on industry structure, market segmentations technology assessment and competitive landscape (CL), and penetration, as well as on emerging trends. Their analysis is based on primary interviews (~ 80%) and secondary research (~ 20%) as well as years of professional expertise in their respective industries. Adding to this, by analysing historical trends and current market positions, our analysts predict where the market will be headed for the next five years. Furthermore, the varying trends of segment & categories geographically presented are also studied and the estimated based on the primary & secondary research.
In this particular report from the supply side Data Library Research has conducted primary surveys (interviews) with the key level executives (VP, CEO’s, Marketing Director, Business Development Manager and SOFT) of the companies that active & prominent as well as the midsized organization
FIGURE 1: DLR RESEARH PROCESS
Extensive primary research was conducted to gain a deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The analysis is based on both primary and secondary research as well as years of professional expertise in the respective industries.
In addition to analysing current and historical trends, our analysts predict where the market is headed over the next five years.
It varies by segment for these categories geographically presented in the list of market tables. Speaking about this particular report we have conducted primary surveys (interviews) with the key level executives (VP, CEO’s, Marketing Director, Business Development Manager and many more) of the major players active in the market.
Secondary ResearchSecondary research was mainly used to collect and identify information useful for the extensive, technical, market-oriented, and Friend’s study of the Global Extra Neutral Alcohol. It was also used to obtain key information about major players, market classification and segmentation according to the industry trends, geographical markets, and developments related to the market and technology perspectives. For this study, analysts have gathered information from various credible sources, such as annual reports, sec filings, journals, white papers, SOFT presentations, and company web sites.
Market Size EstimationBoth, top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the Global market and to estimate the size of various other dependent submarkets in the overall Extra Neutral Alcohol. The key players in the market were identified through secondary research and their market contributions in the respective geographies were determined through primary and secondary research.
Forecast Model
