Vegetable HPMC Capsules

Vegan and pharmaceutical grade. Available in sizes 000 to 4.

Empty white two-piece HPMC vegetable hard capsules with a small heap of green herbal powder and a leaf sprig

100% plant-based and vegan
Low moisture content (≤7%)
No cross-linking reaction
Organic compliant

Vegetable HPMC capsules are made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a polymer derived from pine wood cellulose. Introduced as the first commercially available alternative to animal gelatine capsules, HPMC capsules meet the growing demand of vegetarian, vegan and health-conscious consumers.

Eurokapsule supplies vegetable HPMC capsules derived from FSC-certified pine wood HPMC. They contain no animal ingredients and are certified by the Vegetarian Society. Sizes 000, 00, 0 and 1 are stocked at our temperature-controlled warehouses, ready for fast European delivery; sizes 2, 3 and 4 are available to order.

What is HPMC?

HPMC stands for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, a cellulose derivative obtained from plant fibre — in our case FSC-certified pine wood. It is chemically inert, contains no animal material and forms a stable, flexible capsule shell. When a supplement label says "vegetable capsule" or "veggie cap", it refers to a plant-based capsule — most often HPMC, though pullulan capsules are vegetable capsules as well.

New to HPMC? Read our complete guide to HPMC capsules for material properties, regulatory status and formulation advice.

HPMC vs gelatine capsules

Compared with gelatine, HPMC capsules have a much lower moisture content (up to 7% versus ~13–15%), which protects hygroscopic fills, and they do not cross-link with aldehyde-containing ingredients — a common cause of dissolution problems in gelatine capsules. They are suitable for vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher and organic product lines. Gelatine capsules remain more economical and are available in a wider size range. See the full comparison: Pullulan vs HPMC vs Gelatin.

Ideal applications

Vegetable HPMC capsules are particularly suited for:

Hygroscopic powdersactive ingredients such as magnesium, probiotics and plant extracts that absorb moisture are better protected by the low-moisture HPMC shell
Organic supplementsthe plant-based, organic-compliant shell supports organic positioning
Vegan product linesa clear, certifiable plant-based alternative for brands targeting vegan consumers
Herbal and botanical extractscompatible with a wide range of phytochemical formulations without cross-linking issues
General supplementsvitamins, minerals and amino acids in powder or granule form

Certifications

Our vegetable HPMC capsules and their manufacturer hold the following certifications:

Halal certified
Kosher certified
Vegetarian Society certified

Manufacturer quality certifications: cGMP, FSSC 22000, ISO 9001

Compliance

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

BSE/TSE free
GMO free
Non-irradiated
Pesticide free
Allergen free
Nanomaterial free

Documents

Vegetable HPMC Capsules — Specification(Specification)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between HPMC and gelatine capsules?

HPMC capsules are made from plant-based cellulose, while gelatine capsules are derived from animal sources. HPMC capsules have a lower moisture content (up to 7% vs ~13–15%), do not cross-link with fillers, and are suitable for vegetarian, vegan, halal and kosher product lines. Gelatine capsules are typically more affordable and available in a wider size range.

Are HPMC capsules suitable for probiotics?

Yes. The low moisture content of HPMC capsules helps protect moisture-sensitive probiotic strains from degradation. For additional protection against stomach acid, consider our acid-resistant HPMC capsules, which release their contents in the intestine.

What does "vegetable capsule" mean on a supplement label?

A "vegetable capsule" is a capsule made from plant-based material rather than animal gelatine — most commonly HPMC (from plant cellulose) or pullulan (from fermentation). It indicates that the capsule shell contains no animal ingredients and is suitable for vegetarian and vegan consumers.

Can I get HPMC capsules in custom colours and with printing?

Yes. All our capsule types are available in custom colour combinations and can be printed with logos, text or graphics using natural food-grade inks. All colourants comply with European regulations for human consumption.

Are HPMC capsules vegan?

Yes. HPMC capsules are 100% plant-based — hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is derived from pine wood cellulose and contains no animal ingredients. Our HPMC capsules are certified by the Vegetarian Society and suitable for vegan, vegetarian, halal and kosher product lines.

Do HPMC capsules dissolve as fast as gelatine capsules?

HPMC capsules dissolve slightly more slowly than gelatine capsules (typically 15–20 minutes versus 5–10), which is rarely significant for supplements. If your formulation requires delayed, intestinal release instead, see our acid-resistant HPMC capsules.

Interested in our capsules?

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

One partner, more than capsules

Eurokapsule is the capsule brand of Silvaco A/S — a Danish supplier since 1962. About Eurokapsule

Also need fillers & excipients?

MCC, dicalcium phosphate, magnesium stearate and other capsule-filling excipients are available from Silvaco.

See excipients at silvaco.eu

Also need softgels?

Finished softgels — omega-3 and other oil-based formulas — supplied through Silvaco’s certified European partners.

See softgels at silvaco.eu

Looking for specialty ingredients?

Silvaco sources vitamins, minerals, botanicals and other specialty ingredients for supplement, food and pharma use.

See ingredients at silvaco.eu