Vegan vs Gelatin Capsules: A Sourcing Guide for Brands

EUPHM runs two-piece hard capsule filling on automated lines with a capacity of 1.2 million capsules per shift. We handle gelatin, HPMC and pullulan shells in sizes 000 to 4, with fill weights from 150 mg to 1,200 mg depending on powder density. Changeover between shell materials follows a documented cleaning protocol to prevent cross-contact. For pilot runs, we can supply as few as 1,000 units so you can test market response before scaling to a 1,000 unit retail MOQ. Tooling is compatible with both capsule types, which keeps switching costs low.

Lead times are consistent across materials: 7–10 working days for samples, then 20–35 working days for mass production after artwork and deposit confirmation. If you are comparing formats, request samples of each shell with your own formula. We will return filled capsules so you can assess mouthfeel, disintegration and appearance. For brands moving from gelatin to vegan, we can run a side-by-side stability check at 40°C/75% RH for 4 weeks to flag any moisture-related issues before you commit to a full batch.

Gelatin capsules are made from bovine or porcine collagen. They have a long history in nutraceuticals, offer good oxygen barrier properties and cost less per unit than vegan alternatives. However, they are not suitable for vegetarian, vegan, halal claims unless the gelatin source is certified. They also absorb moisture in humid conditions, which can soften the shell. HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) capsules are plant-derived, stable at a wider humidity range and carry no animal content. Pullulan capsules are tapioca-derived, have lower oxygen permeability than HPMC and suit probiotic or oxygen-sensitive formulas.

Your fill material drives the choice as much as your marketing claim. Hygroscopic powders, such as certain herbal extracts, perform better in HPMC or pullulan because the shell does not absorb ambient moisture as readily. Oil-based fills are typically not suited to two-piece hard capsules; they require softgels. For powders with a high moisture content, add a desiccant or choose a shell with a low moisture vapour transmission rate. We can run a compatibility trial at 25°C/60% RH and 40°C/75% RH for 3 months to compare shell performance with your specific blend.

Gelatin capsules require documentation for animal-derived content. If you target the Middle East or Southeast Asia, halal certification is often mandatory certification is required for Jewish markets. HPMC and pullulan capsules are inherently free from animal derivatives, so they simplify halal audits. They also support vegan and vegetarian labelling. EUPHM holds GMP, ISO 22000 and HACCP certifications, and can source halal and vegan certified shells from approved suppliers. Every incoming lot is tested for identity, microbial limits and heavy metals before release to production.

Logistics planning differs by shell type. Gelatin capsules are more sensitive to temperature and humidity during shipping; we recommend climate-controlled containers for long-haul routes to the US, EU and Middle East. HPMC and pullulan are more forgiving but still require stable conditions. We pack capsules in food-grade, moisture-barrier liners inside fibre drums. Standard export documentation includes certificate of analysis, certificate of origin and, where applicable, halal certificates. For retail bottling, we can fill, cap, label and shrink-wrap on the same line, reducing handling and lead time.

Every capsule batch is tested against a written specification before release. Incoming shell material is checked for identity by FTIR and for moisture content, which affects brittleness and shelf life. Finished capsules are tested for disintegration time in purified water at 37°C: gelatin shells typically disintegrate within 5 to 10 minutes, while HPMC and pullulan shells generally fall within 10 to 20 minutes depending on grade and fill weight. Microbial limits follow ISO 22000 and HACCP plans, with total aerobic count, yeast and mould, E. coli and Salmonella screened on each lot.

Heavy metals testing covers lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury by ICP-MS, with results reported against the specification agreed at the quotation stage. For vegan capsules, no animal-derived processing aids are permitted, so lubricants and release agents are documented as plant or synthetic origin. Potency testing applies to the fill, not the shell, but capsule fill weight uniformity is checked across the run to confirm dose consistency. Retention samples of each batch are held for at least two years, or one year beyond the labelled shelf life, whichever is longer.

A certificate of analysis (COA) is issued per batch and includes the product name, batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date, tests performed, specification limits, results and the signature of the QC manager. Where a customer needs a specific format for retail or marketplace compliance, the COA can be issued on the buyer's template. Stability protocols follow ICH climatic zone II conditions at 25°C and 60% relative humidity, with accelerated data at 40°C and 75% relative humidity for three and six months. Real-time data is generated on request for products with a 24-month shelf life claim.

Capsules can be packed in HDPE bottles with induction seals and child-resistant or standard caps, in blister packs, or in stick packs and sachets for single-serve formats. Bottle sizes commonly run from 30 to 180 capsules, with 60, 90 and 120 count the most requested for Amazon and health retail. Labels must carry the FDA dietary supplement panel elements: statement of identity, net quantity, supplement facts with serving size and percent daily value, other ingredients, and the mandatory disclaimer. The principal display panel must also carry the lot code and best-by date, printed or laser-coded at filling.

Lot and expiry coding follows a format agreed with the buyer, typically a Julian date plus line identifier. Cartons are specified by dimensions, board grade and print method, with case counts matched to the pallet configuration. A standard pallet is 1,200 by 1,000 mm, and carton stacking is planned so that the pallet height stays within 1.6 to 1.8 m for container loading. Shrink wrap and corner boards are used for sea freight, while air shipments may use lighter cartons to reduce chargeable weight.

For Amazon FNSKU and retail compliance, the factory can apply FNSKU labels, poly-bag the bottle, and print the carton mark with the required barcode and handling information. Where the buyer supplies artwork, a pre-press proof is issued for sign-off before printing. Labels are checked against the approved artwork at the start of each filling run, and a first-article inspection is retained with the batch record. The buyer remains responsible for the accuracy of claims and certifications printed on the label; the factory verifies that the wording matches the agreed specification.

Sampling starts with a 7 to 10 working day turnaround once the formula and shell choice are confirmed. Samples are supplied with a draft COA and a specification sheet so the buyer can review disintegration, fill weight and appearance before committing to a production order. Pilot runs start from 1,000 units, and retail bottling MOQ is 1,000 units per SKU. Mass production runs 20 to 35 working days from artwork and deposit confirmation, depending on capsule size, fill complexity and packaging format.

Shipping is arranged by air or sea. Air freight suits pilot and launch quantities and typically moves in 5 to 10 days door to door, while sea freight is used for pallet quantities and takes 25 to 40 days depending on destination port. Incoterms offered are EXW, FOB and DDP; FOB is the most common for first orders because it keeps freight control with the buyer, while DDP is used where the buyer wants a landed-cost figure and door delivery. Carton dimensions and gross weight are confirmed before booking.

Documents provided with each shipment include the commercial invoice, packing list, COA per batch, MSDS where the fill requires it, and a free-sale certificate for markets that request one. Phytosanitary certificates apply only where plant-derived ingredients or packaging require them under destination rules. The factory confirms document requirements at order stage so that missing paperwork does not delay customs clearance. Buyers should confirm labelling and import requirements for their destination before production begins.