Capsule Supplement Manufacturing – Hard Gelatin, Vegan HPMC and Softgel
We formulate and manufacture capsule supplements – hard gelatin, vegan HPMC and softgel – for supplement brands, pharmacy chains and distributors across 40+ countries, on dedicated lines inside our own EU GMP-certified facility. Capsules are the most-requested solid dosage form we produce.
Three capsule types, matched to your formula.
Hard gelatin | Vegan HPMC | Softgel | |
Shell | Animal-derived gelatin | Plant-based | Sealed liquid-fill shell |
Best for | Most vitamin, mineral and herbal formulations | Vegan, vegetarian or animal-free positioning | Oil-based and fat-soluble actives |
Typical fill | Powder or granulate | Powder or granulate, same range as gelatin | Liquid or oil suspension |
Why brands choose it | The standard, lowest-cost shell for most formulas – no premium for going with the default | Meets vegan or free-from claims without compromising fill range | Keeps the active suspended and protected from oxidation until taken |
Your formula and target market determine which shell type fits best – your project manager can advise during the quote.
Capsule formulations across the categories we manufacture most
Vitamin and mineral blends – single-actives and complex multivitamin formulas.
Herbal and botanical extracts – ashwagandha, echinacea, curcumin and other adaptogens.
Probiotics – formulated and packed to protect live cultures through shelf life.
Collagen and amino acids – including marine collagen and glutathione.
Omega-3 fish oil – in softgel form, with the same oxidation controls as our liquid omega-3 formats.
Functional mushrooms – including lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga and other mushroom extracts.
Antioxidants and functional blends – for energy, immunity, cognitive and neurological health, cardiovascular support and longevity positioning.
Why do capsules remain the most popular solid dosage form?
Capsules mask taste and odour better than tablets, which matters for botanical extracts and certain minerals with strong flavour profiles. They’re faster and cheaper to produce than tablets at most volumes, since there’s no compression or coating stage. And they offer flexibility – the same shell type works across a wide range of fill formulations, from single-active vitamins to complex multi-ingredient blends.
Softgels specifically solve a problem hard capsules can’t: keeping an oil-based active in suspension and protected from oxidation until the moment it’s taken.
Bring your own formula, or start from ours
Have a formula already?
Contract manufacturing runs your specification on our equipment, through our QC, out the door under your label.
Want to move faster?
Our private label library includes tested, ready-to-sell capsule formulas across most major categories – most can be adjusted on fill levels, shell type or flavour.
Building something new?
Our in-house R&D team develops custom capsule formulas from brief through pilot batch, including shell-type selection and fill compatibility testing.
Tell us what you're building. We'll get back to you quickly.
Share your format, indicative volume and target markets and we will come back to you within a few business days to confirm receipt and let you know what we need to prepare a full response. Pricing, capability details and a fit assessment follow as soon as we have reviewed your brief.
What brands ask us about capsule manufacturing?
What is the difference between hard gelatin and vegan HPMC capsules?
Hard gelatin capsules use an animal-derived shell – the standard, most cost-effective option for most formulas. Vegan HPMC capsules use a plant-based shell, for brands positioning as vegan or free from animal ingredients. Both work with the same range of powder and granulate fills.
When should I use a softgel instead of a hard capsule?
Softgels are the right choice for oil-based or liquid-fill actives – omega-3, vitamin D and other fat-soluble nutrients – where the active needs to stay suspended in oil and protected from oxidation. Hard capsules and vegan HPMC are typically used for powder and granulate fills instead.
Can I private label an existing capsule formula?
Yes. Our private label library includes tested capsule formulas across most major categories. Most can be adjusted – fill levels, shell type, flavour where relevant – to fit your brand.
What is the minimum order quantity for capsules?
MOQ varies by shell type and fill complexity and is confirmed during the quote, typically from around 300,000 capsules. Pilot batches are available for new formulations – your project manager can confirm the details for your specific case.
How long does a capsule production run take?
Approximately 10–12 weeks from purchase order for an existing formulation. Custom formulation adds development time – confirmed per project once we review your brief.
What testing applies to capsule formulas?
The same full testing stack as our other formats: heavy metals, microbial count, potency, identity and allergens. Softgel formulas with oil-based actives are additionally tested for oxidation. Not every test applies to every product; what’s required is agreed with you upfront and confirmed in the specification.