In the food industry, MHEC serves as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickening agent. It is commonly used in sauces, dressings, ice creams, and other food products to achieve the desired texture and consistency. MHEC can improve the mouthfeel of food items, providing a sensory experience that consumers find appealing. Given the increasing consumer preference for convenience and quality, the demand for MHEC in food applications has witnessed significant growth.
The global demand for HPMC is projected to rise due to its extensive application across various sectors. According to market research, the pharmaceutical segment is expected to witness significant growth, driven by an increase in generics and the need for more advanced drug formulation techniques. Similarly, the construction industry is expanding rapidly, particularly in emerging markets, which will fuel the demand for high-performance building materials that include HPMC.
HEC is derived from cellulose, a natural polymer found in the cell walls of plants. Through a chemical process known as etherification, the cellulose is modified to create HEC, which offers improved solubility, viscosity, and film-forming capabilities compared to its unmodified counterpart. Its ability to retain moisture and enhance texture makes it an essential ingredient in many formulations.
The cosmetic industry also benefits significantly from the properties of HMPC. Its thickening ability and skin-conditioning benefits make it a valuable ingredient in lotions, creams, and serums. HMPC enhances the sensory qualities of cosmetic formulations, providing a smooth and non-greasy feel upon application. Additionally, its film-forming nature helps in creating protective barriers on the skin, which can prevent moisture loss and enhance hydration.
There are many reasons why HPMC caps are taking over.
As you undoubtedly know, capsules offer one of the most convenient ways to take your medications and dietary supplements, especially with the ease of filling your desired formula at home. But most capsule products on the market are made from gelatin, an ingredient derived from animals like cattle and pigs.
That becomes important in light of those consumers who have dietary restrictions for meat or meat products. Vegetarians often have personal, religious, health-related, or environmental reasons for their choice.
A recent study found that about 5% of Americans, 5% of Germans, and 8% of Canadians follow a vegetarian diet, with more women and younger people likely to have this preference.
Similarly, just as Muslims and Jews maintain strong reservations about pork-based products, some Hindus also avoid foods made from cows.
As a way-out, technology has offered the opportunity to meet these divergent consumer's needs with capsules made from plant-based materials.
Even for those with no restrictions in diet, the HPMC vegetarian capsules provide health-conscious consumers with natural alternatives to animal-derived capsules.
Finally, since the pandemic disrupted the global gelatin supply, many nutraceutical manufacturers have rethought their dependency on gelatin. And many have made a huge dive for these vegetable sources. With them, producers can have all Gelatin capsules' advantages and even more.