As the demand for plant-based and clean-label pharmaceutical solutions grows, ACG Capsules has positioned itself at the forefront of innovation with its vegan printed capsules. In this BioPharma APAC interview, Dr. Subhashis Chakraborty, General Manager, Head - Global Product Management at ACG Capsules, shares insights into the challenges of obtaining certifications from Vegan Action and The Vegetarian Society, the increasing market traction, and how ACG is integrating sustainability and advanced printing technologies into its product offerings. He also discusses the shifting consumer demand for cruelty-free pharmaceuticals and ACG’s plans for future innovations in capsule development.

What challenges did ACG face in obtaining certifications from Vegan Action and The Vegetarian Society, and how do these certifications impact regulatory approvals across different markets?

ACG faced scrutiny while obtaining certifications from Vegan Action and The Vegetarian Society, ensuring that every component—capsule shell, raw materials, and manufacturing processes—met strict vegan and vegetarian standards. The process and regulations are becoming stringent as more information around animal cruelty becomes available making it more difficult for compliance of raw materials and the suppliers. These certifications strengthen regulatory acceptance across multiple markets, providing globally recognized labels that help companies streamline approvals for vegan-friendly products.

How has the response been from pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies since the launch? Are there any early adopters or partnerships you can share?

The product has been recently launched by ACG and it’s quite encouraging to see the response from pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies. Many brands focused on plant-based and clean-label formulations see this as a game-changer. While specific partnerships remain confidential, several leading nutraceutical firms have already integrated ACG’s vegan printed capsules into their portfolios, recognizing the value of a fully plant-based solution.

Beyond being plant-based, how do ACG’s vegan printed capsules contribute to overall sustainability in pharmaceutical manufacturing, such as reducing carbon footprint or water usage?

Beyond being plant-based, ACG’s vegan printed capsules contribute to sustainability by reducing reliance on animal-derived ingredients, lowering the overall carbon footprint of production. The company prioritizes eco-friendly manufacturing through optimized water and energy usage, green infrastructure, and energy-efficient systems. Additionally, ACG emphasizes waste reduction, recycling, and investment in renewable energy sources to support environmental stewardship and a circular economy.

With the availability of green, black, and brown ink colours, is ACG working on expanding colour options or incorporating advanced printing technologies for better branding and security features?

ACG currently offers green, black, and brown ink colours, but research is ongoing to expand this palette while maintaining vegan compliance. The company is also exploring advanced printing technologies to enhance branding, anti-counterfeiting measures, and product differentiation.

Have you seen a significant shift in consumer demand for vegan and cruelty-free pharmaceuticals? How do you anticipate this trend evolving over the next five years?

The demand for vegan and cruelty-free pharmaceuticals is rising, driven by growing consumer awareness and regulatory support for plant-based alternatives. This trend is set to accelerate over the next five years, with more companies reformulating products and expanding vegan offerings. The market shift is evident, with the vegan supplements sector projected to grow at a CAGR of over 11% between 2024 and 2030, highlighting the increasing preference for plant-based products.

Does ACG have plans to introduce further innovations in capsule development, such as functional capsules tailored for specific drug formulations?

ACG is actively developing functionally enhanced capsules for specialized drug delivery, including capsules with modified release characteristic made with non-complex technologies. These innovations ensure large-scale production feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to address complex drug delivery needs. With a customer-centric approach, ACG continuously enhances its products and tailors solutions to meet diverse consumer requirements.