Hard-shell capsule
12 Sep 2005
Stanelco has developed an edible, starch-based capsule that can be used for dietary supplements and pharmaceutical uses.
Stanelco and Carclo, its partner on the project, have been working together for over 5 years with the objective of producing an economically viable alternative to two-piece hard-shell capsules made from gelatine.
Carclo Technical Plastics has now successfully manufactured capsules using a new polymer blend developed by Stanelco’s subsidiary Adept Polymers working in conjunction with the German firm of Biotec Holding.
Both the starch-based material and the manufacturing process offer the prospect of lower unit costs of production than for gelatine capsules, according to the companies.
Starch-based hard-shell capsules also offer greater resilience to humidity and heat than gelatine and facilitate easy filling - since they are non-static.
The design of the capsule also offers tamper evident and novel dissolution features as well as the possibility of multi-compartments.
Stanelco’s subsidiary, Aquasol, first filed for patent protection in relation to the new hardshell capsule in 1999.
