Lonza Capsugel launches USDA organic certified capsule, called Organicaps

Lonza Capsugel has announced the launch of its new Organicaps capsules, which are the only USDA organic certified, plant-based, immediate release pullulan capsule made in North America. The ingredient will make its debut at SupplySide Global 2025, booth 5665.

Organicaps feature a high oxygen barrier, non-reactive shell, and excellent polymer stability, and are meant to help brands stay ahead of organic product claims in the growing organic supplements market, says Lonza Capsugel.

“The nutraceutical market is experiencing a growing demand for organic products—73% of consumers are influenced by the presence of organic ingredients and 54% are willing to pay more for them,”¹ said Meeta Kratz, vice president, head of Americas Business Unit, Lonza Capsugel. “As a result, organic certified products are now outpacing the growth of their non-organic counterparts in the dietary supplements industry. This presents a clear opportunity for brands to tap into this budding market. But with fierce competition, confusing label claims, and uncertainties around product performances, standing out on shelves demands transparent product labels that consumers can trust.”

Developing organic capsules is a challenging endeavor because not all capsule polmer materials are suitable for organic capsules. A popular vegan capsule polymer called hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), for example, is not suitable for USDA organica certification because of the chemical modifications required to synthesize the polymer. That is why Lonza Capsugel created Organicaps using pullalan.

“[Pullalan] is produced through a fermentation process using a specific strain of the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans, resulting in pullulan—a water-soluble polysaccharide polymer,” explains Kratz. “ When organic starch is used in the fermentation process, the resulting pullulan can achieve organic certification.”

According to Kratz, Organicaps has a number of features that allow it to compete with non-organic options. “To assess the stability of Organicaps capsules compared to HPMC and gelatin capsules, we carried out a stability study—capsules were filled with 100% vitamin C, 40 °C / 75% relative humidity for 3 weeks,” she explains. “The results revealed that Organicaps capsules demonstrated excellent stability compared to other polymers. We also examined the oxygen permeability of Organicaps capsules, revealing that they have high oxygen barrier properties, which helps to protect oxygen-sensitive ingredients.”

Oxygen-sensitive ingredient include plant-based omega-3s, and lipid soluble vitamins such as vitamins D, E, A, and K. She goes on to say that Organicaps have excellent disintegration and a dissolution profile equal to gelatin for immediate release performance. Additionally, the capsules have crystal clear transparency with a high luster. “Their non-reactive shell eliminates ‘spotting’ concerns commonly observed with gelatin capsules,” says Kratz.

Notably, the capsules are also manufactured in North America, allowing Lonza Capsugel to offer customers local manufacturing in North America and provide confidence in a secure supply. Customers can also rely on Lonza Capsugel as a partner, says Kratz.

“Whether brands need inspiration to get started, have an idea to realize or a barrier to overcome, we tailor our concept-to-market Innovation Services to their unique needs,” she explains. “As a genuine partner for success, we apply creative problem solving, innovative capsule technologies, advanced dosage form technology, and industry leading manufacturing capabilities to help you ideate, create, and launch your next disruptive organic product.”

References

1. OSDF Usage & Attitude study, December 2022.