Tablet Coating Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity & Forecast, Segmented By Polymer (Cellulosic Polymer, Vinyl Polymer, Acrylic Polymer), By Application (Sustained Release, Enteric Release, Immediate Release), By Functionality (Non-functional non-modifying coatings, Functional modifying coatings, Functional non-modifying coatings), By Type (Sugar Coated, Film Coated, Enteric Coated, Gelatin Coated), By End User (Pharmaceutical, Nutraceutical), By Region, & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Tablet Coating market was valued at USD 920.52 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1280.91 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.62%. The Global Tablet Coating Market is undergoing a significant transformation, characterized by strong growth fueled by advancements in oral drug delivery systems, increased pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturing, and heightened patient expectations for therapeutic performance and convenience. What was once viewed as a secondary process aimed at enhancing tablet appearance and masking taste has now become a critical step in optimizing drug functionality, stability, and targeted release.

This market is shifting from a traditional excipient category to a strategic enabler of formulation innovation, supporting the development of modified-release, enteric-protected, and patient-tailored dosage forms. As global healthcare trends move toward chronic disease management, self-medication, and personalized therapies, the demand for coating solutions that deliver functional performance, regulatory alignment, and processing efficiency continues to accelerate.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Manufacturing Activities

As global demand for medications and dietary supplements continues to surge particularly in emerging economies such as India, China, Brazil, and Southeast Asia manufacturers are scaling up production of solid oral dosage forms, especially tablets. China and India collectively account for over 50% of all new drug applications, reflecting the region’s rapidly expanding pharmaceutical sector and the growing demand for medications driven by large populations, increasing healthcare access, and rising prevalence of chronic diseases. These high-volume outputs require efficient and high-performance tablet coating systems to ensure product uniformity, protect active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and improve shelf stability. Coatings are no longer just aesthetic; they serve functional roles in ensuring consistent therapeutic performance, especially in climate-sensitive regions. In the pharmaceutical sector, tablet coatings are essential for: Taste masking of bitter APIs, Moisture protection for hygroscopic compounds, Controlled release for improved drug bioavailability, Brand differentiation in a crowded generics market. Similarly, in the nutraceutical space, coatings are used to: Improve visual appeal and consumer acceptance, Enhance swallowability and mask unpleasant tastes or odors, Extend shelf life of active ingredients like probiotics, enzymes, and vitamins.

The proliferation of Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) is also contributing to increased coating demand. These service providers are investing in modern, flexible production facilities equipped with automated, high-throughput coating equipment to meet the growing outsourcing needs of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical brands. As CMOs cater to a wide range of clients each with specific formulation, branding, and compliance requirements they rely heavily on versatile coating systems to deliver tailored solutions across various product categories. This is creating a stable and scalable demand base for coating materials and technologies. As pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers aim to differentiate their products in increasingly saturated markets, coatings provide a low-cost yet high-impact way to enhance product identity through color, texture, and brand-specific finishes. At the same time, coatings support regulatory compliance by: Meeting Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, Enabling traceability through ink or logo printing on coated tablets, Enhancing dose accuracy and protection for sensitive ingredients. Nutraceutical companies, in particular, are responding to growing consumer demand for clean-label, vegan, and allergen-free products, which is driving adoption of plant-based, TiO₂-free coating solutions. As these manufacturers expand production to meet shifting consumer expectations, the coating market sees parallel growth in demand for specialty formulations.

Rising Demand for Modified-Release and Patient-Centric Dosage Forms

Modified-release (MR) dosage forms such as sustained-release, controlled-release, delayed-release, and enteric-coated tablets require advanced coating solutions to control the rate, timing, and location of drug release in the body. These coatings are engineered to respond to specific physiological conditions (e.g., pH, time, enzymatic environment), allowing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to be released gradually or at targeted sites in the gastrointestinal tract. This shift from conventional to functionally coated tablets is driven by the need to: Maintain therapeutic drug levels over extended periods, Reduce dosing frequency, which improves patient adherence, Minimize side effects by avoiding high peak concentrations, Protect sensitive APIs from gastric fluids or moisture. As more pharmaceutical companies develop advanced oral drug delivery systems, demand rises for high-performance coating polymers, such as acrylics and methacrylic acid copolymers, which enable precise release profiles and improved pharmacokinetics.

Modern healthcare models emphasize patient-centricity, where medication regimens are designed around user preferences, comfort, and lifestyle. Coating technologies play a crucial role in meeting these expectations through: Taste-masking for bitter APIs, especially important for pediatric and geriatric populations, Color-coding and branding, improving medication identification and adherence, Improved swallowability, with smooth, non-gritty coatings that reduce discomfort. In populations managing chronic illnesses (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, diabetes), patients often prefer once-daily or less frequent dosing, made possible through sustained-release tablets. Coatings make these dosage forms viable, driving market demand for customized and intelligent film-coating systems.

The shift toward modified-release and patient-friendly formulations is also reinforced by regulatory incentives and evolving treatment standards. Agencies such as the FDA and EMA support innovation in drug delivery mechanisms that improve therapeutic outcomes and compliance. Additionally, competition among generic and branded drug manufacturers has intensified the need for product differentiation, and coatings offer a strategic, cost-effective tool to achieve this without altering the core formulation. Coatings can help extend product lifecycle management (PLM) by enabling reformulation of existing APIs into value-added dosage forms with improved user experience and market appeal.

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Key Market Challenges

Stringent Regulatory Landscape and Compliance Pressures

One of the foremost challenges is the increasingly complex regulatory environment governing pharmaceutical coatings. Authorities such as the U.S. FDA, EMA, and other national regulatory bodies are imposing tighter scrutiny on excipients, particularly concerning the safety, biocompatibility, and composition of coating materials. The ongoing push to eliminate substances like titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and artificial colorants is forcing manufacturers to reformulate existing products to meet new compliance standards. This process involves substantial R&D investment, stability testing, and validation, which can be time-consuming and costly. For smaller players, regulatory hurdles can slow down product development timelines and act as a barrier to entry, thereby constraining overall market growth.

High Cost and Technical Complexity of Advanced Coating Systems

The adoption of innovative coating technologies, such as those used for sustained-release or enteric formulations, often involves significant capital investment in specialized equipment and technical expertise. Advanced film coating processes require precise control over environmental and mechanical parameters, and even minor deviations can result in product failures, including coating defects, dissolution variability, or compromised drug efficacy. The high cost of polymers, solvents, and coating systems especially those using TiO₂-free or multifunctional materials further adds to the operational burden. These factors limit accessibility, particularly for generic drug manufacturers and small to mid-sized companies, slowing broader market adoption.

Key Market Trends

Surge in Demand for Modified-Release and Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

As the pharmaceutical industry increasingly prioritizes patient-centric therapies, there is a growing emphasis on modified-release formulations, including sustained, delayed, and targeted release. Tablet coatings play a critical role in these applications, enabling controlled release profiles, site-specific drug delivery (e.g., enteric coatings for intestinal absorption), and protection of active ingredients from gastric degradation. This demand is especially strong in the treatment of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological disorders, where consistent drug levels and reduced dosing frequency improve therapeutic outcomes and compliance. As a result, pharmaceutical companies are investing in advanced coating technologies that support next-generation drug delivery systems, propelling growth in this segment.

Rising Regulatory and Consumer Pressure for Clean-Label and Titanium Dioxide-Free Formulations

Growing regulatory scrutiny and consumer demand for clean-label pharmaceutical products are driving significant reformulation efforts in the tablet coating space. The European Union’s ban on titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in food and increasing pressure on its use in pharmaceuticals has prompted manufacturers to shift toward TiO₂-free coating alternatives without compromising performance. This has accelerated innovation in plant-based and synthetic polymer coatings that are compliant with evolving safety standards. Companies are proactively developing formulations that balance functionality, regulatory compliance, and consumer transparency, positioning themselves for long-term growth in a market increasingly driven by health-conscious and informed consumers.

Segmental Insights

Polymer Insights

Based on the category of Polymer, the Acrylic Polymer segment emerged as the fastest growing in the market for Tablet Coating in 2024. Acrylic polymers offer distinct advantages over traditional coating materials, particularly in enabling modified-release, enteric, and sustained-release formulations. These polymers provide precise control over drug release profiles, ensuring active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are delivered at the right location within the gastrointestinal tract, which is essential for improving therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects.

Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly adopting acrylic-based coatings due to their chemical stability, moisture barrier performance, and broad pH solubility range. This makes them particularly suitable for coating moisture-sensitive drugs and for applications that require controlled dissolution behavior, such as chronotherapeutic treatments and specialty therapeutics. The rising trend toward patient-centric dosage forms, such as once-daily or delayed-release tablets, has further propelled the use of acrylic polymers. Additionally, as the industry moves toward cleaner labels and alternatives to titanium dioxide, acrylic polymers are being reformulated and optimized to comply with evolving regulatory expectations and consumer preferences. These factors contribute to the growth of this segment.

Application Insights

Based on the category of Application, the Sustained Release segment emerged as the dominating segment in the market for Tablet Coating in 2024. Sustained release coatings are designed to release active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) gradually over an extended period, reducing the frequency of dosing while maintaining consistent drug levels in the bloodstream. This not only enhances patient convenience especially for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and neurological disorders but also improves compliance, which is a key focus for pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers alike.

The dominance of this segment is further supported by ongoing innovations in polymer science and coating technologies that enable precise control over release kinetics. Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly leveraging sustained release coatings to extend the product lifecycle of existing drugs, enhance bioavailability, and differentiate their formulations in a competitive market. The rising incidence of chronic diseases globally, particularly in aging populations, has led to increased prescription of sustained release medications, further strengthening demand. These formulations also offer benefits such as reduced gastrointestinal side effects and improved patient experience, making them the preferred choice in both developed and emerging markets.

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Regional Insights

North America emerged as the largest market in the global Tablet Coating market in 2024, holding the largest market share in terms of value. The region benefits from the presence of major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that actively adopt advanced coating technologies to improve product stability, appearance, and patient compliance. Additionally, the widespread use of modified-release formulations, which require sophisticated coating techniques, has further accelerated demand for high-performance coating systems.

Regulatory bodies such as the U.S. FDA play a critical role in setting quality benchmarks, prompting manufacturers to invest in advanced coating solutions that meet stringent safety and efficacy standards. These dynamic fosters continuous innovation and the integration of functional film coatings that cater to specific therapeutic needs, including taste masking, controlled release, and moisture protection. The growing demand for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and dietary supplements in the U.S. and Canada has further fueled market growth. These segments often rely on coating technologies to enhance product differentiation and user experience, contributing to increased consumption of coating materials.

Recent Developments

• In April 2025, Ashland has finalized a $10 million expansion of its pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Cabreúva, Brazil, marking a strategic move to strengthen its presence in Latin America. The company will commemorate the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 4, 2025. This investment enhances Ashland’s regional production capabilities to support the rising demand for coated tablets, particularly in Brazil and the broader Latin American market. From 2019 to 2023, coated tablet consumption in Latin America grew at an average annual rate of 4.3%, with Brazil outpacing the region at 5.7% per year, underscoring strong and sustained market momentum.
• In February 2025, Roquette, a global leader in plant-based ingredients and excipients for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, has introduced a consolidated coatings platform that integrates two specialized product lines: Tabshield, a ready-to-use film coating system designed for high-performance tablet protection, and ReadiLYCOAT, a plant-based, ready-to-use coating solution tailored for clean-label formulations.
• In September 2023, Colorcon, a leading provider of film coating systems, specialty excipients, and functional packaging for the healthcare sector, has launched a new TiO₂-free Opadry film coating system specifically engineered to enhance moisture protection for pharmaceutical tablets. This latest innovation addresses growing industry demand for effective moisture management while aligning with clean-label and regulatory-driven reformulation trends by eliminating titanium dioxide from formulation.   

Key Market Players

• Air Liquide S.A.
• Sensient Technologies Corporation Ltd.
• Merck KGaA
• Kerry Group PLC
• DuPont De Numeours Inc.
• Aquadry Pharma Pvt. Ltd.
• BASF SE
• Biogrund GmbH
• Colorcon Inc.
• Evonik Industries AG

Report Scope:

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

• Tablet Coating Market, By Polymer:

o   Cellulosic Polymer

o   Vinyl Polymer

o   Acrylic Polymer

• Tablet Coating Market, By Application:

o   Sustained Release

o   Enteric Release

o   Immediate Release

• Tablet Coating Market, By Functionality:

o   Non-functional non-modifying coatings

o   Functional modifying coatings

o   Functional non-modifying coatings

• Tablet Coating Market, By Type:

o   Sugar Coated

o   Film Coated

o   Enteric Coated

o   Gelatin Coated

• Tablet Coating Market, By End User:

o   Pharmaceutical

o   Nutraceutical

• Tablet Coating Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Tablet Coating Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Tablet Coating 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).