In the world of dietary supplements and medications, capsules often take center stage in discussions—not just because of their contents but also due to the materials they are made from. With growing awareness of ecological and health concerns, two primary materials frequently come into focus: HPMC and gelatin. Each of these materials offers specific advantages and raises important questions: Which capsules are better for our health, and which are more environmentally friendly?
These questions deserve careful consideration, as the answers are crucial for our daily well-being and ecological sustainability. We invite you to join us on a detailed exploration of the world of capsule materials. The goal is to provide you with the necessary information so you can make an informed decision.
As a consumer, you may be wondering: why is it so important for us to write such an article? Have you overlooked an important detail? The answer is a clear no. But what is it about?
It’s about environmental protection and, of course, your health.
Given the importance of these topics, one has to wonder why comprehensive information is often lacking. Moreover, these are issues that affect all of us, where transparency and education are of essential importance. The responsibility clearly lies with the manufacturers. They are and should be obliged to fully inform and educate their customers. The main problem is the growing gap between the different phases of product manufacturing and ultimately retail, leading to poor communication. This is why we are taking the time to inform you comprehensively as a customer.
Vegan products are undoubtedly a best-seller. Today, they are no longer confined to the food sector but have expanded into cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Veganism is a trend. This trend has evolved out of growing awareness of environmental and animal protection, as well as increasing ethical and moral demands of consumers. People want to make our world a little better and treat animals respectfully and humanely – and rightly so.
However, there is another side to this coin: Vegan does not always mean ethically unproblematic. We not only have a responsibility toward animals but also owe consideration to the entire environment. People often prefer products labeled as “vegan” without questioning their ethical soundness. So the question remains: Are vegan products really always the better choice?
The first modern gelatin capsules were invented in 1833 by François Achille Barnabé Mothes, a French pharmacist. He needed a method to mask the bitter taste of medicines. His innovation made it possible for active ingredients to be released in the stomach without the patient having to taste them. Another significant contribution was made by American pharmacist James Murdock, who in 1847 invented the two-piece, overlapping gelatin capsule. This greatly simplified capsule filling and improved the durability and transportability of medications. Murdock’s capsules quickly became popular and are still in use today in almost unchanged form.
For consumers who prefer a vegetarian alternative today, there has been a solution for some time: HPMC (Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, E464). It is an additive made from cellulose, thus meeting vegan requirements.
Now we come to the most important question: What is Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and how is it made? HPMC is a modified form of natural cellulose, which is non-ionic and water-soluble. It has the unique property of gelling when heated and liquefying again when cooled, making it particularly useful for processes that require reversible gel formation.
The production of HPMC involves a multi-step chemical process, in which highly reactive, harmful substances such as volatile propylene oxide (considered carcinogenic) or chloromethane gas are used.
Raw Material: The starting material is typically cellulose derived from plant fibers such as cotton or wood. This natural cellulose is first purified to remove non-cellulose polymers.
Alkalization: The purified cellulose is treated with an alkaline solution (usually sodium hydroxide) to activate the hydroxyl groups of the cellulose.
Methylation and Hydroxypropylation: In this step, methyl chloride is used to introduce methyl groups, and propylene oxide is used to introduce hydroxypropyl groups. The reactions are carried out under controlled conditions to achieve the desired substitution and distribution of the hydroxypropyl and methyl groups.
Neutralization and Purification: After the chemical treatments, the product is neutralized and thoroughly washed to remove excess chemicals and by-products.
Drying and Grinding: The purified HPMC is then dried and ground to the desired particle size, depending on its specific application.
Environmental Impact Considerations of HPMC Production:
Energy and Water Consumption: The processing of cellulose into HPMC requires solvents and various chemical processes that consume a lot of energy and water. The extensive use of these resources leads to increased CO2 emissions and massive drinking water contamination.
Chemicals and Waste: HPMC production involves chemicals that are clearly classified as environmentally harmful if not properly treated or disposed of. Improper disposal leads to soil, water, and air pollution.
In comparison, gelatin capsules are made from gelatin, derived from collagen, making them an animal-based product. The production process is similar to how our grandparents made gelatin for jams, by boiling animal parts rich in collagen.
Cleaning: The extracted gelatin is purified to remove contaminants and potential pathogens. This step is important to ensure the safety and quality of the final product.
Pretreatment: The purified gelatin is then dissolved in water and treated with acids to achieve the desired viscosity and gel strength.
Shaping: The liquid gelatin mixture is poured into molds corresponding to the two parts of a gelatin capsule – the body and the cap. These molds are cooled so that the gelatin can solidify.
Compared to HPMC capsules, which are entirely synthetic and vegetarian, gelatin capsules offer a more natural, though animal-based, alternative. Both capsule types have specific environmental impacts, depending on the raw materials and production methods used.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Capsule Type:
As manufacturers, we face the decision of which capsule type to choose for our products. A crucial factor is long-term storage: Gelatin capsules provide a significantly better oxygen barrier compared to HPMC capsules. This is particularly important as oxygen can quickly degrade ingredients, reducing their effectiveness. For HPMC capsules, additional antioxidants must be added to counteract oxidation. This affects both the overall cost per capsule and the content.
Gelatin offers further advantages for soft capsules. By choosing gelatin, the release site of the active ingredient in the body can be specifically targeted. This allows for the rapid absorption of active ingredients into the bloodstream, as in painkillers, or a delayed release to protect probiotics from stomach acid.
After considering all factors, we have decided to use gelatin capsules. They are not only more cost-effective to purchase but also cause significantly less environmental damage during production. Additionally, they do not require chemical processing to achieve a finished product. Gelatin capsules also offer longer shelf life and quality, which we pass on to our customers in the form of pure active ingredients and long-lasting quality.
Manufacturer Responsibility
Another important aspect of our decision is the responsibility we have to you as a person and customer. Gelatin capsules are fully metabolized by the human body, whereas HPMC capsules are not broken down and pass through the gastrointestinal tract as inert substances. HPMC is also water-soluble, which can cause it to swell in the digestive tract and lead to digestive problems, especially when several capsules are taken daily.
Conclusion
We understand consumers’ priorities and desires regarding product composition and the resources used. However, our quality management and brand awareness lead us back to the trusted gelatin capsules. We believe that more openness about the manufacturing process and the raw materials used will help the end consumer make an informed decision. If you have any further questions or need suggestions, we are happy to engage in an open dialogue.
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