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Leaks in softgels are a persistent challenge in the production process, resulting in increased costs, wasted resources and significant environmental impact. Every time a softgel capsule leaks, it’s not just the product that’s lost but its expensive contents. This then contaminates machinery and other capsules, resulting in additional cleaning and production downtime. This means not only wasted materials but also higher energy use and additional labor costs, all of which add to the environmental and financial burden. If you’re in the softgel production game, you’ll know this scenario only too well.

Producing the perfect supplement means paying close attention not only to the contents of the capsule, but also the material used for its shell. Whether you’re formulating omega-3s, probiotics or multivitamins, choosing the right softgel excipient can make all the difference. Not all fills are encapsulated equally and many come with their own unique challenges that can affect efficacy. Here, we explore a specific issue in supplement formulation – ingredients that can irritate the stomach – and reveal our tailormade solution.

Herbal supplements are continuing to grow in popularity, driven by consumers seeking wholesome options for everything from immune support to cognitive health. Botanical ingredients can offer numerous and invaluable health benefits for digestion, skin and cardiovascular function, for example. In fact, supplement launches with botanical ingredients have shown the strongest growth compared to launches of botanicals in food and beverages, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of six per cent between April 2019 and March 2024 [1]. Here, gelatin softgels are a preferred delivery format. However, manufacturers face a major challenge with softgels containing plant extracts – crosslinking.

In the ever-evolving landscape of bioscience and medical technology, innovation is not just a buzzword — it’s a necessity. The healthcare industry is constantly on the lookout for groundbreaking solutions to overcome common obstacles and support a range of complex medical applications. This is key to enhancing patient care, improving treatment outcomes and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

The confectionery landscape is undergoing a transformation, driven by evolving consumer demands for healthier indulgences. One of the most notable trends is the rise of high-protein candy. Once seen as an indulgent treat, candy is now being reimagined to include nutritional benefits.

Protein has become a star ingredient in the global snack market, valued for its role in muscle growth, energy, stamina, and weight management. In fact, 42% of global consumers identify protein as the most important ingredient when choosing snacks (1).

With promising market forecasts, supporting scientific research, and cutting-edge innovations like SOLUFORM^®️ PE gelatin by GELITA, high-protein candy is emerging as a game-changing segment in confectionery.

We all know that feeling... a sudden, pounding headache hits you, making it impossible to focus. Or perhaps it's throbbing toothache or debilitating period pain. No matter the source of your discomfort, when pain strikes, quick relief is essential. Our RAPISOL^® fast-release gelatin delivers just that in a softgel capsule designed for rapid dissolution of its pain-relieving contents.

Speedy softgels

While traditional tablets are capable of incorporating a high concentration of active ingredients in a solid form, they require more time to break down in the digestive system. This delay can mean inconsistent absorption rates, with painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen/paracetamol possibly not reaching the bloodstream as quickly as necessary for effective pain relief. In contrast, softgels, with their liquid fillings, dissolve faster, allowing the body to rapidly absorb the active ingredients.