Eurokapsule

Natural Pullulan Capsules

Fermentation-derived, preservative-free and crystal-clear — with a natural oxygen barrier for oxygen-sensitive products.

Empty crystal-clear two-piece natural pullulan hard capsules heaped in a shallow glass dish in daylight
  • Crystal-clear transparency
  • Natural oxygen barrier
  • 100% natural and plant-based

Natural pullulan capsules are empty hard capsules made from pullulan, a polysaccharide produced by natural fermentation. The result is a crystal-clear, fully transparent capsule with no haze. For brands that want to show consumers the quality of the fill material, pullulan is a premium choice.

We supply pullulan capsules in sizes 000, 00, 0 and 1, transparent as standard, with white and other custom colours available on request. All capsules are manufactured to pharmaceutical standards, supported by a comprehensive certification portfolio, and shipped from our temperature-controlled warehouses for fast European delivery.

What is a pullulan capsule?

Pullulan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide produced by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans during natural fermentation. The polymer is water-soluble, tasteless and odourless — properties that make it ideally suited for capsule shells. No chemical solvents and no animal ingredients are used at any point in the manufacturing process.

Because pullulan is produced by fermentation rather than chemical synthesis, pullulan capsules have a naturally derived origin.

Pullulan vs HPMC vs gelatine

All three materials produce reliable two-piece hard capsules — the differences lie in origin and barrier properties. Pullulan stands out on three points: a significantly better oxygen barrier than HPMC and gelatine, true crystal-clear transparency without haze, and a fully natural fermentation origin.

HPMC is the more economical plant-based choice and available in a wider size range, while gelatine remains the lowest-cost option for non-vegetarian products. Read our full comparison: Pullulan vs HPMC vs Gelatin.

Ideal applications

Pullulan capsules are particularly suited for:

  • Probiotics and live culturesthe oxygen barrier protects viability
  • Omega-3 and fish oil powdersreduced oxidation preserves potency and prevents off-flavours
  • Premium herbal extractscrystal-clear transparency shows consumers the natural colour of the fill material
  • Antioxidant formulationsoxygen-sensitive vitamins (C, E) and plant polyphenols benefit from the barrier properties

Certifications

Our pullulan capsules and their manufacturer hold the following certifications:

  • Halal certified
  • Kosher certified
  • DMF certificate (Drug Master File)

Manufacturer quality certifications: cGMP, BRC Food Safety, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 17025, ISO 45001, EXCiPACT

Compliance

These capsules also meet the following compliance and free-from standards:

  • BSE/TSE free
  • GMO free
  • Non-irradiated
  • Pesticide free
  • Allergen free
  • Aflatoxin free
  • Preservative free

Frequently asked questions

What is a pullulan capsule?
A pullulan capsule is an empty hard capsule made from pullulan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide produced by natural fermentation. Pullulan capsules are fully plant-based, transparent and offer a natural oxygen barrier — a premium alternative to gelatine and HPMC capsules.
What are pullulan capsules made of?
Pullulan capsules are made from pullulan, a carbohydrate polymer produced by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans during natural fermentation. No animal ingredients and no chemical solvents are used in the manufacturing process.
Are pullulan capsules better than HPMC?
Both are plant-based alternatives to gelatine. Pullulan capsules offer two advantages that HPMC does not: true crystal-clear transparency and a natural oxygen barrier. HPMC capsules are typically more affordable and available in a wider size range. The right choice depends on whether visual clarity and oxygen protection are important for your formulation.
Are pullulan capsules suitable for organic products?
Pullulan capsules are produced through natural fermentation and contain no synthetic additives. Check the specific organic standards in your market with your certification body.
Do pullulan capsules protect against oxidation?
Yes. Pullulan has naturally low oxygen permeability — significantly better than HPMC and gelatine. This protects oxygen-sensitive ingredients such as omega-3 powders, vitamins C and E and probiotics, and helps extend shelf life without extra packaging measures.
What sizes and colours do pullulan capsules come in?
We supply pullulan capsules in sizes 000, 00, 0 and 1, transparent as standard. White and custom colours are available on request (minimum order quantities apply). Standard capsules ship from our European warehouses.

Interested in our capsules?

Get in touch with our team for samples, specifications, and pricing.