Clean label is becoming common in the industry. Many consumers expect clear labels, simple ingredients, and good product quality. Clean label is influencing formulation in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Companies pay more attention to whether ingredients are easy to know and whether raw material sources are clear. This change affects not only active ingredients but also excipients. Capsule materials are becoming a key focus. It is especially evident in renewable sourcing and sustainable production. This article explores necessity of sustainable materials and how they are popular.
The overview of the clean label and sustainable material market
According to the market research, global customers have a stronger demand for transparency, health, and environmental responsibility. Many people now pay closer attention to ingredient lists. prefer products with clear, familiar, and limited components. When labels are simple, trust in product quality and safety tends to increase. As more customers pursue environmentally friendly products, sustainable materials are becoming more popular. Renewable materials and simpler processing now influence purchasing decisions. In the past year, 30% of global food and beverage launches showed no additives, natural, or GMO-free.
So, many industries, like the food and supplement areas, choose more sustainable materials and use clean labels. It not only meet market trend but also improves customer trust.
Advantages of clean labels and sustaible materials
Besides to meet the growing demand, there are also other benefits for manufacturers.
- Clear product information. Clean label materials use simple and familiar ingredients. This makes labels easier to read and explain. Buyers then understand the product faster, and decide quickily it the produt meet their demands.
- Clear supply chain. Sustainable materials often com from renewable raw materials. Their sourcing and production details are clearly documented. This improves traceability and supply chain control.
- Higher customer trust. Many consumers think the products with clear sourcing feature more safety and better quality. Sustainable materials also support brand images.
- Support for global trends. In-time following of market trends make companies respond quickly to customer expectations. Then, they can prepare better for future requirements. This benefits the growth of company development.
Popular sustainable materials in the capsule content
When filling capsules, it includes active ingredients, excipients, sometime additives. These elements influence if capsules are sustainable. Now more supplement manufacturers use plant-based or fermentation-based ingredients to replace synthetic alternatives. These sustainable materials include botanical extracts, algae-based oils, and bio-fermented vitamins.
For excipients, many people prefer that with clear origin and fewer processing steps. Examples include plant-based fillers, natural binders, and mineral-based agents. These materials support clean label goals and reduce reliance on petroleum-derived additives. Artificial additives are also being reduced for use. They include artificial colors and synthetic preservatives. Moreover, fermentation and bio-based production methods are increasingly used. They offer enhanced bioavailability for supplements and functional foods.
Four common sustainable ingredients used in capsule shells
Besides capsule content, cpasule shell materials also changes. The follows are usually required.
HPMC
HPMC capsules are one of the most widely used sustainable capsule materials today. They are made from plant cellulose, typically from wood pulp or cotton fibers. So HPMC capsules contain no animal-derived ingredients. They are suitable for vegetarian and vegan products. Relevant certifications, like Halal certification, help support clean label and ethical claims. HPMC capsules have low moisture and good stability under temperature changes. Therefore, they are suitable for many contents, including moisture-sensitive powders and oils.
Pullulan
Pullulan capsules are made from pullulan polysaccharide. This is a natural polymer produced through the fermentation of starches like tapioca. Pullulan is fully plant-derived and water-soluble. It dissolves easily in the digestive tract. Pullulan capsules can provide excellent oxygen barrier properties. It helps protect sensitive ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids and botanicals. These features make pullulan a good choice for products aimed at eco-conscious consumers.
Pea starch-based materials
This ingredient is made fron pea starch, ideal for vegan, kosher, halal, and non-GMO markets. As an emerging trend, pea starch capsules are used more to alternate gelatin ones. They offer good flexibility with excellent stability or mouthfeel.
Other Bio-based ingredients
Manufacturers are also exploring other bio-based polysaccharide ingredients for capsule shells. Examples include alginate from seaweed and modified starch derivatives. They are easily biodegradable and digestible. These materials are less common in commercial products now. Because they require high cost and meet technical processing challenges.
There are also many other types of capsule materials. For example, Anxine produces TiO₂-free enpty capsules. They meet more consumer demand for cleaner and safer supplements.
Four key factors that define sustainable capsule materials
Sustainability in capsule materials is evaluated through several factors. These factors focus on the source of materials, how they work, and how they are produced. Together, they help manufacturers assess whether a capsule material truly supports sustainability goals.
Renewable capsule sources
They refer to raw materials that can be replenished over time, like cellulose from plants. These materials rely less on limited resources and animal-derived products. Renewable sources supports long-term supply stability. They meet the growing expectations of customers for responsible material selection.
Biodegradable ingredients
Biodegradable capsule shells are designed to break down naturally after use. Compared to some synthetic materials, plant-based polymers can degrade more easily. The support waste reduction and environmental friendly. But biodegradability can’t affect capsule performance or safety.
Low environmental impact
Low environmental impact materials aim to reduce the overall footprint of capsule production. This includes lower energy use, reduced water consumption, and fewer processing steps. If materials go through less chemical modification, they generally perform better. Many customers pay more attention to environmental impact when purchasing.
Sustainable sourcing
It focuses on how raw materials are obtained and managed. This includes traceable supply chains, responsible land use, and clear supplier documentation. Capsule materials with well-documented sourcing help manufacturers check origin and maintain quality control. Sustainable sourcing also supports regulatory review and strengthens trust across global markets.
