MCT Oil Softgel Manufacturer for Custom Supplement Brands

The plant runs rotary die encapsulation lines for oil-based fills, with typical output of 1.2 to 1.8 million softgels per day across shifts. MCT oil is handled in temperature-controlled tanks and dosed by positive displacement pumps, which keeps fill weight variation within +/- 3% for most 500 mg to 1,000 mg formats. Oblong, oval and round dies are available in standard sizes; custom tooling can be quoted for volumes above 500,000 units.

Finishing includes tumble drying, polishing and optional enteric or delayed-release coatings. Softgels can be packed into HDPE bottles with induction seals, child-resistant caps or standard screw caps. Bulk packing in 20 kg or 25 kg food-grade liners is available for buyers who bottle in their own facility. Line capacity is planned around 20-35 working day production windows, so seasonal launches should be booked 8-12 weeks ahead.

MCT oil is specified by C8 (caprylic) and C10 (capric) content. Common commercial grades include 60/40 C8/C10, 70/30 and high-C8 95%+ fractions. Each grade changes cost, mouthfeel and oxidative stability, and all three can be run on the same encapsulation line. Carrier oils such as sunflower or coconut oil can be blended to adjust viscosity or to standardise the label claim. Typical fill weights are 500 mg, 750 mg and 1,000 mg.

The gelatin shell can be bovine, porcine or fish-derived, and vegan softgels using modified starch or carrageenan are available. Shell plasticisers include glycerin and sorbitol, with water content controlled to 6-10% for a soft, stable capsule. Opacifiers such as titanium dioxide and natural colours from annatto, caramel or spirulina can be added. If the product is aimed at halal markets, the shell source and processing aids are documented accordingly.

Every MCT oil lot is tested for peroxide value, acid value, fatty acid profile and microbial limits before release. In-process checks cover fill weight, seam thickness, shell hardness and leakage. Finished softgels are tested for assay, disintegration and, where required, heavy metals and residual solvents. Batch records, certificates of analysis and retention samples are kept for traceability. The facility is GMP-certified and registered with the relevant food safety authorities; it is not an FDA-approved drug facility.

For export, the team prepares commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, health certificates, halal certificates and, where applicable, organic transaction certificates. Shipping is typically by sea from Shenzhen or Hong Kong, with air freight for pilot batches. Incoterms such as FOB, CIF and DDP can be quoted. Lead times assume cleared artwork and approved samples; label changes after production starts may add 5-10 working days.

Every MCT oil softgel batch is tested at three stages: incoming raw material, in-process encapsulation, and finished goods. Incoming MCT oil is checked for identity by fatty acid profile (C8 and C10 content), peroxide value, and acid value. Gelatin or vegan shell materials are tested for bloom strength and microbial limits. In-process checks include fill weight variation (target ±5%), seam integrity by visual inspection, and shell thickness. Finished softgels are tested for potency (mg MCT per capsule), microbials (total aerobic count, yeast and mould, E. coli, Salmonella), heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury), and disintegration time (typically under 30 minutes in purified water at 37°C).

Batch documentation follows a fixed template. The certificate of analysis (COA) lists test parameters, specifications, results, and test methods, with a batch number and release date. Retention samples of every batch are kept for 24 months under controlled temperature and humidity. Stability testing follows a standard protocol: accelerated conditions at 40°C/75% RH for 6 months, and real-time conditions at 25°C/60% RH for up to 24 months. Results are documented in a stability report available to buyers on request.

Microbial testing uses USP <61> and <62> methods, and heavy metals are tested by ICP-MS. Disintegration testing follows USP <701>. All testing is performed in-house or at a third-party ISO 17025 laboratory, depending on the parameter. Buyers receive a full COA per batch, and can request raw data for any test. For MCT oil softgels, we also monitor for rancidity over shelf life by measuring peroxide value at 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.

MCT oil softgels can be packed in HDPE bottles (30, 60, 90, 120, 180 count), blister packs (10, 12, or 15 softgels per blister), stick packs (single softgel per stick), or sachets (2-5 softgels per sachet). Bottles are induction-sealed and fitted with child-resistant or standard caps. Labelling follows FDA dietary supplement requirements: statement of identity, net quantity, supplement facts panel, ingredient list, allergen declaration, and manufacturer/distributor information. We print lot numbers and expiry dates by inkjet or laser coding on the bottle, carton, and shipper.

Carton specifications: each bottle is packed in a retail carton with a minimum 300 gsm board, and shippers are 5-ply corrugated. Standard pallet configuration is 48 x 40 inches (US) or 1200 x 1000 mm (EU), with a maximum height of 1.8 m including pallet. We provide Amazon FNSKU labelling and poly-bagging for FBA shipments, and can apply retail-ready packaging such as shelf-ready trays or display cases. For private-label brands, we offer artwork review and can advise on claims compliance for the US, EU, and UK markets.

All packaging materials are food-grade and meet FDA 21 CFR 174-190 for indirect food additives. We can source bottles, caps, and cartons from approved suppliers or use buyer-supplied components. Labelling checks are performed at three points: pre-production artwork approval, first-off inspection, and final random sampling. Retail compliance documentation, including a packaging specification sheet and a certificate of compliance for food-contact materials, is provided with each shipment.

The minimum order quantity for MCT oil softgels is 1,000 units per SKU, with lower quantities (from 1,000 units) for pilot runs. Sample lead time is 7-10 working days after formulation and shell specification are confirmed. Mass production takes 20-35 working days after sample approval, depending on fill weight, shell type, and packaging format. For repeat orders with unchanged specifications, production can be scheduled within 15-20 working days.

Shipping options include air freight (5-10 days door-to-door) and sea freight (25-40 days port-to-port). We quote EXW, FOB, and DDP terms. For DDP, we handle customs clearance and delivery to your warehouse in the US, EU, UK, or Australia. Air shipments are typically used for samples and urgent orders under 500 kg, while sea shipments are cost-effective for full pallets. We provide a packing list, commercial invoice, and bill of lading for every shipment.

Documents provided with each order include COA, material safety data sheet (MSDS), free-sale certificate, and phytosanitary certificate where applicable. For halal, or organic claims, we supply the relevant certificates from the certifying body. We also provide a certificate of origin and, on request, a GMP certificate for the manufacturing facility. All documents are issued in English and can be legalised or apostilled for specific markets if required.