Capsugel ~ Plantcaps Capsules

MADISON, N.J.Capsugel launched Plantcaps, a plant-based capsule made from pullulan. Each capsule is naturally fermented from tapioca for a natural, vegetarian capsule to appeal to eco-friendly consumers. Plantcaps also provide an option for retailers distributing organic supplements in the United States, which restricts organic labeling language on organic ingredients encapsulated in other non-pullulan polymers. The capsule is a clean-label product that can allow for several other important product claims, including vegetable-origin, preservative-free, gluten-free, starch-free, allergen-free and non-GMO. In addition, it satisfies dietary needs with its generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status, kosher and Halal certifications, and approval by the Vegetarian Society. The product is also suitable for the Asian regulatory environment, especially for use in Japan.

Capsugel developed the pullulan to offer proper performance with a wide range of ingredients. The capsule provides ease of formulation while still maintaining a disintegration/dissolution profile equal to gelatin. In addition, its shell can also help eliminate spotting" concerns that occur when vitamin C is encapsulated in gelatin, and because pullulan offers the best oxygen barrier of all available plant-based products, Plantcaps can even help mask pungent tastes and odors from some ingredients such as garlic. And, like a gelatin capsule, Plantcaps offers optimal machineability on all capsule filling machines.