Date: 2026-7-17 Click:84 times With the rapid growth of global cross-border health supplement trade, the selection of hard capsule materials directly affects whether products can safely reach overseas consumers. Gelatin capsules and plant-based capsules (primarily hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/HPMC capsules) each have their own advantages and limitations in terms of raw material sources, temperature resistance, and storage and transportation stability. This article objectively compares the differences between the two capsule types from a contract manufacturing perspective, providing reference for brand owners.
I. Gelatin Capsules: A Classic Choice with Both Cost Advantages and Potential Risks
Gelatin capsules are derived from collagen extracted from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals such as pigs, cattle, and sheep through chemical processing. Their main advantages lie in cost efficiency and mature production technology.
Gelatin raw materials are widely available, and the manufacturing process has been optimized over decades. For capsules of the same specifications, gelatin capsules typically cost 30%-50% less than plant-based capsules. For large-scale production and products targeting price-sensitive markets, gelatin remains an economical and efficient choice.
In addition, gelatin capsule shells have good elasticity and toughness. After filling, they provide excellent sealing performance and are less likely to become brittle under normal temperature and humidity conditions. In extremely dry environments (relative humidity below 20%), gelatin capsules may actually perform better than plant-based capsules, as the latter may become brittle due to excessive moisture loss.
However, gelatin capsules also have obvious limitations. They are highly sensitive to temperature. Gelatin has a melting point of approximately 28-31°C, and in high-temperature environments above 40°C, capsules may soften, stick together, or deform, creating higher risks during tropical sea freight transportation.
Under high humidity conditions (relative humidity above 60%), gelatin capsules tend to absorb moisture and become sticky. Strict storage conditions of 15-25°C with 40%-50% relative humidity are recommended, which increases storage and transportation costs.
Furthermore, gelatin capsules generally have a shelf life of 24-36 months. Long-term international distribution cycles may present certain challenges, and gelatin capsules are not suitable for vegetarian consumers or certain religious groups.
II. Plant-Based Capsules: Wider Temperature Tolerance but with Certain Limitations
Plant-based capsules primarily use hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), which is extracted from natural plant fibers. Their key advantage lies in their broader tolerance to temperature and humidity variations.
Within a temperature range of 10-40°C and humidity range of 35%-65%, plant-based capsules can maintain stable performance. Even under high temperatures of 80°C, capsule shell changes remain below 1%, making them more suitable for cross-border transportation scenarios such as sea freight and land transportation where temperature control may be limited.
Plant-based capsules can have a shelf life of 36-48 months, making them more suitable for long international supply chains. As they contain no animal-derived ingredients, they can serve vegetarian consumers and specific religious markets.
However, plant-based capsules are not without limitations. Under the same specifications, their cost is approximately 2-3 times higher than gelatin capsules, which may increase pressure on final product pricing.
In extremely low humidity environments (relative humidity below 20%), plant-based capsules may lose moisture and become brittle. Although they generally do not crack as easily as gelatin capsules, storage conditions still require attention.
Under prolonged exposure to high humidity environments (relative humidity above 60%), plant-based capsules can also absorb moisture and become softer. It is recommended to maintain humidity levels below 60% during logistics and transportation.
III. Comparison of Capsule Selection for Cross-Border Transportation
Heat Resistance:
Gelatin capsules face risks of softening in environments above 40°C, while plant-based capsules remain stable below 80°C, showing a significant difference in high-temperature resistance.
Low Humidity Resistance:
Gelatin capsules perform relatively well in extremely dry conditions, while plant-based capsules may become brittle. However, the actual risk of cracking is lower compared with gelatin capsules.
High Humidity Resistance:
Gelatin capsules are more prone to moisture absorption and sticking, while plant-based capsules typically become softer after absorbing moisture. Both require proper humidity control, but gelatin capsule sticking issues are generally more difficult to manage.
Cost:
Gelatin capsules have a clear cost advantage, while plant-based capsules have a higher production cost.
Shelf Life:Plant-based capsules can achieve up to 36 months or longer shelf life, while gelatin capsules generally range from 18-24 months.
Vegetarian Compatibility:
Plant-based capsules are suitable for vegetarian products, while gelatin capsules are not.
IV. Capsule Selection Guide for Contract Manufacturing Customers
For products sold in temperate regions, with short sea freight cycles and high cost sensitivity, gelatin capsules remain an economical and efficient option. However, strict temperature and humidity controls must be implemented throughout storage and transportation.
For products targeting tropical or subtropical markets, long-distance sea transportation, or extended retail shelf display periods, the wider temperature and humidity tolerance of plant-based capsules can effectively reduce transportation losses.
For vegetarian markets or specific religious markets such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia, plant-based capsules are often the preferred choice.
As a source manufacturer with 18 years of production experience, we specialize in OEM/ODM customization services across four major dosage forms: soft capsules, hard capsules, tablets, and powders. We provide flexible solutions using both gelatin and plant-based capsule materials, offering cross-border brand customers a one-stop solution from raw material selection to mass production.
We welcome opportunities for cooperation and partnership.
