Mar 25,2022

Whether they are made of gelatin or HPMC, high-quality capsules will withstand the rigors of many manufacturing and formulation challenges. That said, custom empty capsule manufacturers should know capsules are not indestructible. To maintain their quality and shelf life, both temperature control and humidity control are vitally important.

Here’s what you need to know…

Proper conditions for capsule storage

Gelatin capsules contain more moisture than HPMC capsules and also tend to lose that moisture more quickly. Empty gelatin capsules have a moisture content between 13% and 16%; empty HPMC capsules have a moisture content between 3% and 8%.

Something to be aware of is that ambient conditions have an outsize impact on empty capsules, as their moisture content will gradually reach equilibrium with the surrounding relative humidity level. If controls are not in place at every point in the production process—including warehouse, storage, transportation, filling, and packaging—they can easily either dry out or become too moist.

To maintain the correct temperature, avoid storing capsules in direct sunlight, in high rack locations (since heat rises), and near the hot spots that are found near ceiling lights and HVAC vents.

Also, do not wrap capsule cartons in excessive plastic, as this can cause a greenhouse effect in hot or humid locations, trapping heat and moisture around the capsules.

Proper conditions during capsule filling

During cold weather, be aware that heating systems will dry out the air in a facility. In this situation, portable industrial humidifiers can be used to keep the filling room’s relative humidity within the desired range. Otherwise, capsules will quickly lose moisture when they are exposed to the facility’s dry air.

Regardless of the weather, using resealable bag ties for opened capsule cartons is recommended. This makes it easier for operators to protect capsules while in the encapsulation room.

Another often-overlooked issue is the vacuum on the filling machine. Use only as much as necessary to separate the empty capsules, as an excessive vacuum can cause pin-hole fracturing in the body dome, which will allow the product to leak out of the capsules.

Proper conditions during capsule filling

During cold weather, be aware that heating systems will dry out the air in a facility. In this situation, portable industrial humidifiers can be used to keep the filling room’s relative humidity within the desired range. Otherwise, capsules will quickly lose moisture when they are exposed to the facility’s dry air.

Regardless of the weather, using resealable bag ties for opened capsule cartons is recommended. This makes it easier for operators to protect capsules while in the encapsulation room.

Another often-overlooked issue is the vacuum on the filling machine. Use only as much as necessary to separate the empty capsules, as an excessive vacuum can cause pin-hole fracturing in the body dome, which will allow the product to leak out of the capsules.

Need help analyzing your facility to ensure that the proper conditions are in place? This is one of the many services that Hgcaps provides for our customers.