Plant Based Excipients Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Carbohydrates, Proteins, Polymers, Minerals, Glycoside & Waxes, Esters, Others), By Application (Binders & Diluents, Glidants, Lubricants & Disintegrants, Film Forming & Coating Agents, Plasticizers, Suspending Agents, Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Plant Based Excipients Market was valued at USD 2.14 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.74 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.21% during the forecast period. The global market for Plant Based Excipients is experiencing significant growth, driven by growing demand for natural and sustainable products in various industries, including pharmaceuticals. Plant based excipients are seen as a more sustainable and eco-friendlier alternative to traditional excipients, which are often derived from non-renewable sources such as petroleum. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of products and are seeking more sustainable alternatives. The shifting focus of consumers and governments across the globe towards sustainability is expected to create new prospects for the growth of global plant-based excipients market in the coming years.

Plant based excipients are derived from natural sources such as algae, starches, cellulose, gums, and proteins, and are used to improve the stability, solubility, and bioavailability of drugs. Plant based excipients are considered safer than traditional excipients because they are derived from natural sources and are less likely to cause adverse reactions in patients. In addition, plant-based excipients are free from potential contaminants and impurities that may be present in synthetic excipients. This in turn is expected to drive the growth of global plant-based excipients market during the forecast period.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Clean Label and Natural Pharmaceutical Ingredients

One of the most significant drivers of the plant-based excipients market is the global shift toward clean-label and natural pharmaceutical formulations. Consumers and patients are increasingly becoming conscious of the ingredients used in their medications and supplements. This shift is rooted in the perception that plant-derived ingredients are safer, more sustainable, and less likely to cause side effects compared to their synthetic counterparts. Consequently, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies are adopting plant-based excipients such as starches, cellulose derivatives, gums, and pectin to align with consumer preferences and enhance product marketability.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have both emphasized the safety of excipients in drug formulations. While not explicitly favoring plant-based excipients, these agencies promote transparency and comprehensive safety profiling, which gives plant-derived options a competitive edge due to their historical use and established safety. Additionally, regulatory frameworks such as the FDA’s Inactive Ingredient Database (IID) list many plant-based substances, promoting their broader adoption.

Furthermore, clean-label trends are supported by public health initiatives. For example, the European Commission has implemented regulations encouraging reduced use of synthetic additives in consumer products. Such policies indirectly support the growth of plant-based excipients in pharmaceuticals and functional foods, as manufacturers look to comply with evolving consumer expectations and regulatory landscapes.

Sustainability and Environmental Benefits of Plant-Based Excipients

The sustainability factor associated with plant-based excipients is a major growth driver, particularly in an era of heightened awareness around environmental conservation and climate change. Traditional synthetic excipients, often derived from petrochemicals or animal sources, contribute to environmental degradation and carbon emissions. Plant-derived excipients, by contrast, are typically renewable, biodegradable, and have a lower environmental footprint during production and disposal.

Governments globally are introducing policies to promote sustainable production practices. The European Union’s Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have emphasized the importance of environmentally friendly industrial practices. These initiatives provide a favorable backdrop for the rise in demand for plant-based excipients. For instance, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) supports the use of biobased chemicals to reduce toxic emissions and enhance sustainability in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promotes the use of bio-based materials through programs such as the BioPreferred Program, which certifies products that meet criteria for renewable biological content. Such certifications provide incentives for manufacturers to switch to greener excipient sources, thereby driving the growth of the plant-based excipient market.

As the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors face pressure to reduce their environmental impact, plant-based excipients offer a viable path to meet sustainability targets while maintaining product performance and patient safety.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

Variability in Raw Material Quality and Supply Chain Disruptions

A key challenge confronting the plant-based excipients market is the variability in raw material quality, which can affect the consistency and efficacy of pharmaceutical formulations. Unlike synthetic excipients, which are typically produced under controlled chemical processes, plant-based excipients are sourced from agricultural commodities that are subject to environmental variables such as soil conditions, weather patterns, and pest infestations.

For example, cellulose and starch — common plant-based excipients — can vary significantly in their physicochemical properties depending on their geographic source and harvesting conditions. This inconsistency can pose a problem for pharmaceutical companies that require precise formulation standards for drug stability, bioavailability, and shelf life.

In addition, global supply chain disruptions due to climate change, geopolitical tensions, and pandemics can further exacerbate raw material shortages. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, particularly for critical pharmaceutical ingredients sourced from specific countries. Government data from the U.S. International Trade Administration and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights that disruptions in agricultural production and export bans on key crops can significantly influence the supply of plant-based raw materials.

To address these challenges, industry must invest in robust sourcing strategies, develop advanced quality control mechanisms, and encourage regional diversification in raw material procurement. However, these adjustments can increase costs, potentially affecting the competitiveness of plant-based excipients compared to their synthetic counterparts.

Regulatory Hurdles and Lack of Harmonized Standards

Regulatory uncertainty is a major bottleneck in the expansion of the plant-based excipients market. Although excipients are critical components of drug formulations, they do not receive the same regulatory attention as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). However, their impact on drug performance means that they must meet rigorous safety and quality standards, which can vary by country and region.

Currently, regulatory agencies like the U.S. FDA and EMA provide frameworks for excipient approval, but these are often not harmonized globally. This lack of standardization complicates the international trade and approval of plant-based excipients, especially for emerging market manufacturers looking to enter global supply chains. Additionally, excipients derived from novel plant sources may face increased scrutiny under regulatory pathways, requiring toxicology studies, stability data, and clinical safety evaluations.

Governmental agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Pharmaceutical Excipients Council (IPEC) have attempted to address these issues through guidelines and standard-setting efforts. However, the absence of a universally accepted excipient monograph system slows market entry and increases compliance costs for manufacturers.

The complexity of navigating multiple regulatory regimes can discourage smaller companies from investing in plant-based excipient innovation, thereby limiting competition and scalability. Harmonization of regulatory standards and the development of centralized databases for plant-derived excipients could significantly reduce this challenge in the future.

Key Market Trends

Integration of Plant-Based Excipients in Biologics and Biosimilars

The global surge in demand for biologics and biosimilars is giving rise to a new trend: the incorporation of plant-based excipients in the formulation and delivery of these advanced therapies. Biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and cell therapies, require highly stable and biocompatible excipients to maintain structural integrity and therapeutic efficacy. Plant-based polysaccharides, such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), pectin, and xanthan gum, are being increasingly evaluated for their ability to stabilize proteins, facilitate controlled release, and enhance solubility. These characteristics make them attractive candidates for biologic drug formulations, which are often sensitive to changes in pH, temperature, and mechanical stress.

This trend is being supported by government-funded biomedical research programs. For instance, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) fund studies to explore novel excipients in complex drug formulations. Similarly, Europe’s Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) has focused on enhancing biologic drug delivery, encouraging the use of bio-compatible excipients that include plant-based options. The rising interest in subcutaneous and oral biologic therapies — driven by patient preference and lower healthcare costs — further fuels the need for excipients that enable alternative delivery routes. As biologic drug pipelines expand globally, plant-based excipients are poised to play an integral role in supporting this transformation due to their adaptability and sustainability profile.

Advancements in Functional Plant-Based Excipients through Biotechnology

Another notable trend in the plant-based excipients market is the application of biotechnology to develop next-generation functional excipients. Researchers and companies are leveraging fermentation, enzyme engineering, and plant tissue culture to produce excipients with enhanced performance characteristics, such as better binding properties, targeted release profiles, and higher purity levels.

Biotechnology allows for the customization of plant-based excipients to meet the specific needs of complex drug formulations, particularly for controlled or sustained drug release. For example, precision-engineered cellulose and modified starches can be tailored at the molecular level for specific interaction with active ingredients. These excipients not only meet pharmaceutical-grade standards but also address limitations like batch-to-batch variability and allergenic concerns. Governments are supporting biotechnology innovation through dedicated research grants and funding initiatives. In the U.S., the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have launched programs to promote bioproduct development, including biobased polymers and excipients. Likewise, the European Union’s Horizon Europe program is investing in research that includes biotechnological solutions for pharmaceutical applications.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Based on Type, Carbohydrates category accounted for the largest market share primarily due to their widespread application in tablet formulation. The robust demand for tablet-based pharmaceuticals, coupled with the increasing use of carbohydrates in these preparations, has significantly contributed to the growth of this segment. Carbohydrates are favored for their biocompatibility, availability, and functional versatility in excipient roles such as binders, fillers, and disintegrants. Moreover, natural marine-derived excipients have gained notable traction in the pharmaceutical industry. Marine-sourced polysaccharides—such as agar, chitosan, alginate, hyaluronan, carrageenan, and fucoidan are commonly employed in the formulation of a wide range of dosage forms. These biopolymers serve critical functions including drug delivery carriers, gelling agents, disintegrants, binders, and agents that modulate or sustain drug release. Their natural origin and functional adaptability make them particularly attractive in both conventional and novel drug delivery systems.

Download Free Sample Report

Regional Insights

Based on the region, North America held the largest share of the Global Plant-Based Excipients Market. This dominance can be attributed to several key factors, including the region’s well-established pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, increasing demand for natural and clean-label formulations, and strong consumer preference for plant-derived ingredients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also encouraged the use of generally recognized as safe (GRAS) plant-based excipients in drug and supplement formulations, further supporting market growth. Moreover, major industry players and excipient manufacturers are headquartered or have significant operations in North America, which enhances innovation, R&D, and timely product launches. The region also benefits from high healthcare expenditure, a growing population with chronic conditions requiring long-term medication, and an increasing inclination toward sustainable pharmaceutical ingredients. The growing demand for vegan and vegetarian capsules and tablets is another contributing factor.

Recent Developments

• In June 2024, during CPHI China 2024, MEGGLE GmbH & Co. KG showcased its complete portfolio of lactose-based excipients, including well-known products like FlowLac and InhaLac. The presentation highlighted the company’s continued leadership and commitment to innovation in the pharmaceutical excipients market.
• In April 2023, Colorcon Inc. introduced Nutracore, a new line of label-friendly excipients specifically designed for use in nutritional tablets and capsules. This launch addresses the growing consumer and industry demand for clean-label, natural, and sustainable excipient solutions.

Key Market Players

• Roquette Frères
• Evonik Industries AG
• DFE Pharma GmbH & Co KG
• Lonza Group
• BASF SE
• Novartis AG
• FMC Corporation
• JRS Pharma
• ADC
• Micro Powders, Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Plant Based Excipients Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Plant Based Excipients Market, By Type:

o   Carbohydrates

o   Proteins

o   Polymers

o   Minerals

o   Glycoside & Waxes

o   Esters

o   Others

• Plant Based Excipients Market, By Application:

o   Binders & Diluents

o   Glidants

o   Lubricants & Disintegrants

o   Film Forming & Coating Agents

o   Plasticizers

o   Suspending Agents

o   Others

• Plant Based Excipients Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Mexico

§  Canada

o   Europe

§  France

§  Germany

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  South Korea

§  Japan

§  Australia

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East and Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Plant Based Excipients Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Plant Based Excipients Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Plant Based Excipients Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]