Microencapsulation

Microencapsulation

Microencapsulation is a process in which active substances are coated by tiny capsules. This new technology protects different food components or functional constituents against various processing conditions by covering them inside a polymeric or nonpolymeric material and allowing their controlled release under certain conditions.

The Microencapsulation Market is growing at a steady rate of 11.84% in the forecast period, driven by its versatile application in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, home and personal care, agrochemicals, and others. Microencapsulation has proven an effective tool in creating novel food products with numerous functional properties. This technology has been widely used in commercial products like juices, chocolates, meat, and poultry. For instance, in January 2023, BASF SE, specializing in the microencapsulation of vitamins, developed a unique microencapsulation method for the vitamin A and D powders used in flour and sugar fortification, which delivers best-in-class stability. Recently, BASF has developed BHT-free vitamin A to fortify flour and sugar. It is a vitamin A palmitate powder that can be applied directly or through pre-mixes. Technical studies show the superior stability of this BHT-free vitamin A powder compared to other BHT-free vitamin A powders on the market. Moreover, with the growing pharmaceutical industry, microencapsulation plays a vital role by enabling controlled and targeted drug delivery, masking unpleasant tastes and odors, and improving drug stability. Therefore, the market has seen meteoric growth in the last couple of years and is expected to have the same pace of growth in the foreseeable future.

• Based on technology, the market is segmented into spray, emulsion, dripping, and others. The spray technology segment dominated the market in 2023 and is expected to dominate in the forecast period. The significant factors contributing to the segment's growth include its versatility and applicability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness properties. This technology is a mixture of the core material and the wall material, which is atomized and formed into a mist inside a chamber, where hot air is applied to convert the mist into powder. Spray Technology is widely used in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, fragrances, and agrochemicals. For instance, in 2024, DKSH extended its distribution agreement with dsm-Firmenich, a global leader in flavor solutions for the food industry, to Myanmar and Vietnam. By distributing dsm-firmenich's flavor solutions, DKSH will boost business opportunities for the partnership in the two key markets.
• Based on coating material, the market is segmented into gums, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and others. The protein segments generated the most significant revenue in 2023 for the microencapsulation market, and are expected to showcase in the same fashion in the forecast period. The increasing demand for sustainable and natural coating materials, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical industry, is propelling the demand for the market. Additionally, proteins such as gelatin, whey proteins, and plant-based proteins are gaining popularity as coating materials due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and ability to control the release of encapsulated materials has further driven the market growth. For instance, microencapsulation allows us to produce Protein with sustained release dosage forms, with gradual release into the bloodstream and slower digestion. Normally, the timing of bioavailability of an isolated whey protein is around 30-45 minutes: thanks to microencapsulation, the polypeptide chains are instead treated as slow-release Protein, gradually absorbed in the hours following ingestion and therefore able to keep the amino acidemia in the blood constant.
• Based on application, the market is segmented into pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, home and personal care, agrochemicals, and others. The pharmaceuticals segment holds the maximum share in 2023 and is expected to behave in the same fashion in the forecast period due to the growing usage and application of microencapsulation in the drug. The rising prevalence of chronic disease globally has also catered to the demand for the microencapsulation market. Microencapsulation enhances drug delivery by providing controlled release mechanisms. It protects sensitive compounds and improves ingredient handling. For instance, in 2022, researchers made significant advancements in diabetes management by developing microencapsulated insulin. This innovative approach to treatment ensures precise dosing and prolonged effects, which can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes.
• For a better understanding of the market of the microencapsulation market, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in countries such as North America (The US, Canada, and Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, The UK, France, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. The North America microencapsulation market shall have the largest market size in the forecast period due to factors including the presence of a well-developed pharmaceutical sector, a growing food and beverage industry, high investments in R&D, and favorable regulations. This region, specifically North America, is home to large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that rely on microencapsulation tools and systems for drug delivery, taste improvement, and stability. For example, Pfizer, Merck, and Amgen have developed microencapsulated medicines for better dissolution rate, sustained release, and targeted supply to tissues or organs. However, one of the driving forces for advancing the complex microencapsulation technique is the sound regulatory regime of the region as well as the stringent approval of the US FDA and Health Canada. North America is also a dynamically developing region of the F&B industry, on which Nestle, PepsiCo, and Kraft Heinz spent millions to develop microencapsulation technologies to produce new types of functional foods, enhanced beverages, and nutraceuticals. For example, Nestle has applied it in preparing better tasting and smelling coffee products while Pepsi Co has applied the technique to coat probiotics in juices for protection and timed release. The changing customer preferences towards improved quality and convenience foods continue to drive the food sector in the region towards the adoption of micro-encapsulation technologies.
• Some of the major players operating in the market include BASF SE, Givaudan, Royal FrieslandCampina, Cargill, Incorporated, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Sensient Technologies Corporation, Ingredion, Balchem Corp, Firmenich SA, and Microtek Laboratories, Inc.