Krill Oil Softgel Manufacturer for Global Brands

EUPHM operates 12 softgel encapsulation lines with a combined output of 180 million softgels per month. For krill oil, we use rotary die encapsulation with inline nitrogen flushing to limit oxidation. The oil is held below 25°C throughout mixing and filling. We run fill weights from 500 mg to 1,000 mg with ±3% weight variation. Drying tunnels use low-temperature, dehumidified air for 24–48 hours, depending on shell thickness. This preserves phospholipid integrity and prevents shell brittleness.

The facility handles both small pilot batches and full commercial runs. A 1,000-unit order runs on the same lines as a 500,000-unit order. Changeover takes 4–6 hours, including full cleaning and line clearance. We can produce up to 6 million krill oil softgels per week on a dedicated schedule. For brands scaling from launch to national retail, this means no reformulation or revalidation between batch sizes.

Krill oil is sourced from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) under CCAMLR catch limits. We work with suppliers that provide full traceability from vessel to drum. Typical specifications: 10–12% EPA, 5–6% DHA, 40–45% phospholipids, and 100–1,500 ppm astaxanthin. The oil arrives with a certificate of analysis for peroxide value (PV < 5 meq/kg) and p-anisidine value (AV < 10). We re-test every lot for heavy metals, PCBs, and dioxins before release.

Formulation options include pure krill oil, krill oil with added astaxanthin (0.5–2 mg per softgel), and krill oil combined with vitamin D3 (1,000–2,000 IU). Shell materials can be bovine gelatin, fish gelatin, or vegan starch. Enteric coating is available for delayed release. We do not use artificial colours. Natural caramel or beta-carotene can tint the shell if needed. Flavour masking is unnecessary for most krill oil softgels, but we can add a mild vanilla or citrus top note.

Every krill oil softgel batch is tested for fill weight, shell thickness, disintegration time, and microbial limits. We hold 2–3 retention samples per lot for 24 months. The QC lab runs HPLC for EPA/DHA, GC for oxidation markers, and ICP-MS for heavy metals. Certificates of analysis are issued in English and can be formatted for your market. We support third-party testing through Eurofins, SGS, or Intertek if your retailer requires it.

For export, we provide a full document pack: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, health certificate, and GMP certificate. For EU clients, we supply the necessary statements for novel food or traditional food registration. For Middle East clients, halal certificates are issued per batch. We ship FOB Shenzhen or Yantian, with air freight options from Hong Kong Baiyun. Lead time for documents is 3–5 working days after production.

Every krill oil softgel batch is tested at three stages: incoming raw material, in-process softgel shells and fill, and finished goods. Raw krill oil is tested for identity by fatty acid profile (EPA, DHA, phospholipid content), peroxide value (target below 5 meq/kg), anisidine value, moisture, and astaxanthin ester content. Microbials (total plate count, yeast and mould, E. coli, Salmonella), heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic), and residual solvents are run on each lot. Softgel shells are checked for seam strength, fill weight uniformity (target ±5%), and moisture content (typically 6–10%).

Finished softgels are tested for disintegration (target under 30 minutes in purified water at 37°C), potency (EPA and DHA by GC), and oxidative stability. We retain samples from every batch for 24 months at 25°C/60% RH and 40°C/75% RH for accelerated stability, with time points at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Each COA includes batch number, production date, test methods, specification limits, results, and an authorised signature. COAs are issued in English and can be translated if required.

Retention samples are stored in a dedicated temperature-monitored room, with two samples per batch: one for customer reference and one for internal stability. Stability protocols follow ICH Q1A(R2) where applicable, and we can run custom protocols for markets requiring specific conditions. Documentation packs include batch records, equipment logs, and deviation reports if any. All records are kept for five years and are available for audit by appointment.

Krill oil softgels can be packed in HDPE bottles (60, 90, 120, 180 counts), blister packs (10, 20, 30 softgels per blister), stick packs (single softgel), or sachets. Bottles are induction-sealed and fitted with child-resistant or standard caps. We offer desiccant sachets and oxygen absorbers for high-humidity markets. Labelling follows FDA dietary supplement requirements: statement of identity, net quantity, supplement facts panel with EPA/DHA amounts per serving, other ingredients, and allergen declarations. Lot and expiry dates are inkjet-printed on the bottle, carton, and shipper.

Cartons are specified with dimensions, board grade (typically 300–350 gsm), and printing method (offset or digital). Pallet configurations are standard 1200×1000 mm or 1200×800 mm, with stretch-wrapping and corner boards. For Amazon FNSKU and retail compliance, we apply FNSKU labels, poly-bagging, and suffocation warnings as required. We can also provide retail-ready packaging with barcodes (UPC/EAN) and security seals. All packaging materials are food-grade and comply with EU 10/2011 and US FDA 21 CFR 174-190.

For private-label brands, we offer artwork support and pre-press checks to ensure label compliance. We do not provide regulatory advice but can review labels against common requirements. Packaging lead times are typically 10–15 working days after artwork approval, and we keep a library of standard bottle and carton sizes to reduce tooling costs. MOQs for custom packaging may be higher than for standard packs.

The MOQ for krill oil softgels is 1,000 units per SKU. Samples are dispatched within 7–10 working days after receipt of raw materials and artwork. Sample costs are credited against the first mass production order. Mass production takes 20–35 working days after sample approval and receipt of deposit, depending on packaging complexity and testing requirements. We provide a production schedule and weekly updates.

Shipping options include air freight (5–10 days to major hubs) and sea freight (25–40 days depending on destination). We quote EXW, FOB (Shenzhen or Hong Kong), and DDP for select markets. DDP includes customs clearance and delivery to your door, with duties and taxes paid. We provide a full document pack: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, COA, MSDS, free-sale certificate, and phytosanitary certificate where relevant. Certificates of origin can be arranged on request.

For urgent orders, we can expedite production at a surcharge, subject to raw material availability. We recommend booking sea freight at least 45 days before your expected in-store date. All shipments are insured and tracked. We work with freight forwarders experienced in supplement exports to the US, EU, and Asia.