No, capsules are generally not made of plastic.
What are capsules made of?
Capsules are primarily made from two main types of materials:
- Gelatin: This is a common material for both hard and soft capsules. Gelatin is derived from the hydrolysis of collagen.
- Non-gelatin materials: These are typically cellulose-based, derived from plant sources, or other materials developed to cater to different dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian/vegan capsules).
Details about Capsule Materials
| Material | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Gelatin | Protein derived from the hydrolysis of collagen. Can be hard or soft. | Animal origin (acid, alkaline, enzymatic, or thermal hydrolysis) |
| Non-Gelatin | Typically cellulose-based. Created to accommodate vegetarian or other dietary needs. | Plant origin or other sources |
Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Options
The increasing demand for vegetarian and vegan options has led to a rise in non-gelatin capsules. These capsules are often made from plant-based materials like cellulose. This change addresses dietary preferences and beliefs that are not compatible with traditional gelatin capsules which are derived from animal sources.
In conclusion
Capsules are not made of plastic; they are made from either gelatin or non-gelatin materials like cellulose, depending on dietary needs and preferences.
