HPMC Capsules – Vegetarian Hypromellose (Pharma Grade 2910)
HPMC (hypromellose) capsules are a plant-based alternative to gelatin capsules, valued for a vegetarian and vegan profile, low moisture content and good stability – which is why they suit hygroscopic actives and probiotic or moisture-sensitive fills that would struggle in gelatin.
Vegetarian HPMC capsules
Our pharmaceutical-grade HPMC for capsules uses substitution type 2910 (with 2208 available as a related type), described by its pharmacopoeia substitution number rather than a marketing code.
Pharma-grade substitution types
The substitution type is what a formulator actually selects on: it sets the methoxyl and hydroxypropoxyl content, and with it the gel temperature and solubility behaviour of the shell.
Substitution profiles we document
Pharmacopoeia substitution types we document (ChP 2020 aligned): 2910: methoxyl 28.0-30.0%, hydroxypropoxyl 7.0-12.0%, gel 58-64 C; 2906: methoxyl 27.0-30.0%, hydroxypropoxyl 4.0-7.5%, gel 62-68 C; 2208: methoxyl 19.0-24.0%, hydroxypropoxyl 4.0-12.0%, gel 70-90 C. High-viscosity grades are documented to a K100M-class standard (75,000-140,000). These are pharmacopoeia substitution numbers, not marketing codes.
Quality standard and documents
We make it to a quality standard that follows the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP 2020), with NMPA excipient registration F20240000184 and long-term stability data on file. Every viscosity comes in both NDJ and Brookfield, always with the test conditions – concentration, temperature, spindle and speed – so the number you check on arrival matches the one we shipped against. Certificates we hold are available for your review.
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HPMC product page
HPMC / hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose for construction and industry: water retention and rheology grades.
Open →Pharmacopoeia compliance
Pharmacopoeia compliance and audit support for excipient sourcing: ChP 2020 and NMPA on file, with change control and audit policy.
Open →Request a sample
Open →The ChP 2020 and NMPA originals are on file, ready for your audit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are HPMC capsules suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes – they are plant-based, a common reason buyers move away from gelatin, and they carry low moisture, which helps with hygroscopic or moisture-sensitive fills.
What is substitution type 2910, and do you offer others?
2910 is a pharmacopoeia substitution designation (methoxyl 28.0-30.0%, hydroxypropoxyl 7.0-12.0%); we also work with 2208. We describe grades by these numbers rather than by a marketing code.
Which documents can you provide?
A ChP 2020-aligned quality standard, NMPA excipient registration F20240000184 and long-term stability data – originals on file. Ask and we send them with a sample.