The worldwide tablet coatings sector generated $2.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $4.1 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2022 to 2031. Key takeaways include:
Increasing pharmaceutical demand: Growing global demand for pharmaceuticals drives the tablet coatings market as more people seek medical treatments and prescription drugs.
Technological advancements: Advancements in coating technologies enhance tablet manufacturing efficiency, improving the safety and efficacy of the final product.
Nutraceutical demand: The popularity of natural health supplements increases the demand for coated nutraceuticals with improved taste and odor.
Regulatory compliance: Tough quality benchmarks and regulatory requirements ensure the safety and efficacy of tablet coatings.
The market for global tablet coatings can be segmented based on the following:
Product type: Film coatings, sugar coatings, enteric coatings, and other specialty coatings.
Material: Polymers, cellulose derivatives, and other materials.
End-user: Pharmaceutical industry, nutraceutical industry, and others.
Application: Extended-release coatings, taste masking coatings, and others.
Region: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Africa the Middle East.
Sales channel: Direct sales and distributor sales.
Coating thickness: Thin and thick coatings.
North America dominates the tablet coatings market with the highest revenue share, driven by a strong healthcare infrastructure, high purchasing power, and widespread adoption of coated tablets. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to have the fastest growth rate, with a projected CAGR of 7.2% from 2022 to 2031. Factors contributing to this growth include a growing geriatric population and increased awareness of delayed-release tablet coatings.
Two notable trends in the market are the rising demand for enteric coatings, which protect active ingredients in the stomach and enable targeted delivery to the small intestine, and the increasing use of nanotechnology to develop thin and uniform coatings for enhanced API protection. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on eco-friendly coatings using biodegradable materials, reflecting consumer concerns about the environmental impact of traditional coatings.
Recent developments in the tablet coatings market include the following:
Rising demand for enteric coatings: Enteric coatings protect active ingredients, ensuring targeted delivery to the small intestine. This is driving demand in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
Increasing use of nanotechnology: Nanotechnology enables the development of ultra-thin, uniform coatings, improving API protection and creating more efficient products.
Development of eco-friendly coatings: Companies are creating biodegradable coatings to address environmental concerns and meet consumer demand for sustainability.