Tablet Coatings Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Tablet Coatings Market Report is Segmented by Coating Type (Film-Coated, Sugar-Coated, and More, Polymer (Cellulose Ethers, Acrylic Acid Polymers, and More), Formulation Component (Plasticizers, and More), Process/Equipment (Conventional Pan Coating, and More), Application (Immediate-Release, and More), End-User (Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, and More), and Geography. The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD

Tablet Coatings Market Size and Share

Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Compare market size and growth of Tablet Coatings Market with other markets in Healthcare Industry

Tablet Coatings Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The tablet coatings market reached USD 0.986 billion in 2025 and is set to climb to USD 1.28 billion by 2030, posting a 5.36% CAGR during the forecast window. Robust capital spending by drug makers, a pivot toward continuous manufacturing, and tightening quality expectations are the prime forces behind this steady expansion. Film-coated tablets hold more than half of current demand, while enteric technologies register the quickest unit growth as companies pursue targeted delivery. Asia-Pacific’s share already tops one-third of global value and continues to grow thanks to aggressive capacity additions in India and China. Heightened scrutiny of titanium dioxide is reshaping formulation strategies, yet regulatory bodies in the United States, Europe, and Asia simultaneously encourage adoption of advanced, more sustainable coating systems. Against this backdrop, the tablet coatings market offers suppliers a multi-year runway for incremental volume as well as premium, technology-rich opportunities.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By coating type, film-coated tablets led with 53.23% revenue share in 2024, whereas enteric-coated products are forecast to post the fastest 7.07% CAGR to 2030. 
  • By polymer, cellulose ethers commanded 38.74% share of the tablet coatings market size in 2024; acrylic acid polymers are projected to expand at an 8.23% CAGR through 2030. 
  • By formulation component, plasticizers delivered 42.45% of 2024 revenue, while colorants are on track for a 7.29% CAGR to 2030. 
  • By process, conventional pan equipment held 41.38% of the 2024 tablet coatings market share, with continuous systems advancing at an 8.34% CAGR. 
  • By application, immediate-release coatings accounted for 48.25% of 2024 value; sustained-release solutions are expected to grow at 7.88% to the end of the decade. 
  • By end-user, pharmaceutical manufacturers retained 62.48% share in 2024, yet CDMOs/CMOs are slated for the highest 8.41% CAGR. 
  • By geography, Asia-Pacific dominated at 33.24% share in 2024 and is simultaneously the fastest-growing region with an 8.01% CAGR projection.

Segment Analysis

By Coating Type: Film-Coated Dominance Drives Innovation

Film-coated tablets contributed 53.23% of 2024 revenue, underscoring how a single layer can combine moisture protection, UV shielding, and brand color in one economical pass. The tablet coatings market size for enteric-coated formats is projected to rise at 7.07% CAGR as biologic actives and probiotics demand intestine-directed release. Over the next five years, film formulations will integrate digital watermark pigments for anti-counterfeiting and low-foaming surfactants to support continuous lines. Concurrently, sugar-coat demand will stay niche, serving mainly pediatric syrups converted into chewable cores.

Continuous processing magnifies film-coat advantages because the step’s short residence time aligns well with ready-to-use aqueous systems. Hovione’s Lisbon installation links continuous granulation to direct pan coating, demonstrating 30% faster cycle times versus batch. Enteric players innovate with plasticizer-free acrylic dispersions that cut preparation time by 70%, led by Evonik’s EUDRAGIT FL 30 D-55. Suppliers see rising orders for functional films combining delayed and sustained-release layers in single-step processes, saving floor space and validation hours.

Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Polymer: Cellulose Ethers Lead Amid Acrylic Innovation

Cellulose ethers owned 38.74% of 2024 demand thanks to a decades-long safety record and universal compendial listings. Acrylics, however, show an 8.23% forward CAGR, positioning them as the fastest polymer class in the broader tablet coatings market. Pharmaceutical buyers value acrylics for superior film strength under low solids and for ease of pH tuning, both key for continuous spray. Lotte Fine Chemical’s partnership with Colorcon aims to enlarge cellulose output dramatically, a sign core users still prioritize supply security for traditional grades.

Next-generation acrylics integrate quaternary-amine groups for colon targeting, while bio-based celluloses gain momentum in sustainability audits. The tablet coatings market share that acrylics capture will also benefit from regulatory pressures on TiO2 because many acrylic dispersions mask core discoloration without added opacifiers. Polymer producers invest in green-chemistry solvent recovery and energy-efficient reactors to lower scope-1 emissions, aligning with ESG mandates from top-20 pharma customers.

By Formulation Component: Plasticizers Dominate While Colorants Accelerate

Plasticizers represented 42.45% of revenue in 2024 because nearly every film requires flexibility to resist edge chipping. Yet colorants, at a 7.29% projected CAGR, will outpace all other additives as companies revamp branding and compliance with new FDA color guidance fda.gov. The tablet coatings market size for colorants is set to expand further as traceability tools embed QR-readable patterns directly into thin films.

Sorbitol and triethyl citrate remain top plasticizers, but their dosage is dropping as polymer science advances toward inherently pliable backbones. Titanium-dioxide-free opacifiers based on calcium carbonate are gaining traction, although higher loadings are required to reach equivalent hiding power, which nudges solvent demand upward. Multifunctional anti-tack agents that double as gloss enhancers help formulators reduce ingredient count and validation burden.

By Process/Equipment: Conventional Pan Coating Leads Amid Continuous Innovation

Conventional pans still held 41.38% of 2024 throughput, reflecting broad installed bases in generics plants. Continuous lines, posting an 8.34% forward CAGR, are the headline story in the tablet coatings market. Early adopters report 30% less waste and real-time release testing that short-circuits days-long lab waits. Syntegon’s SPC-1000 and GEA’s ConsiGma exemplify platforms that integrate environmental monitoring, PAT, and cleaning validation into digital twins, cutting change-over from hours to minutes.

Perforated pans find use where heat-sensitive actives need gentle drying, and fluidized beds thrive in pellet and multiparticulate niches. Equipment OEMs now ship plug-and-play skids with cloud-ready sensors so users can benchmark coating uniformity across sites, a key element in global tech-transfer programs.

By Application: Immediate-Release Dominates While Sustained-Release Accelerates

Immediate-release layers accounted for 48.25% of 2024 spending; routine taste masking and brand coloration keep this share high. Sustained-release coatings, forecast at 7.88% CAGR, reflect chronic disease realities and payer preference for once-daily dosing. The tablet coatings market share for extended-release profiles is growing in cardiometabolic therapy where steady plasma levels improve outcomes.

3D-printed prototypes demonstrate pulsatile release by stacking dissimilar polymers in concentric rings. pH-responsive delayed-release designs are increasingly combined with time-based diffusion barriers, yielding hybrid systems that maintain acid protection yet offer afternoon drug pulses. Such complexity elevates the value of process-analytical-technology-enabled coaters capable of monitoring layer thickness in microns.

Tablet Coatings Market: Market Share by Application
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By End-User: Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Lead While CDMOs Accelerate

Originator and generic drug makers generated 62.48% of 2024 demand, leveraging captive formulary control to optimize coatings. CDMOs/CMOs, with an 8.41% CAGR outlook, are expanding fastest as big pharma outsources older molecules and niche therapies. Adare Pharma Solutions upgraded its Italian site for high-potency coatings, while Serán BioScience broke ground on a USD 200 million Oregon facility tailored for continuous lines.

The tablet coatings industry model is thus bifurcating: large pharma retains strategic pipelines yet relies on partners for volume flexibility and specialized polymer know-how. Nutraceutical houses adopt pharmaceutical standards via turnkey systems such as Roquette’s plant-based ReadiLYCOAT™, further stretching end-user diversity.

Geography Analysis

Asia-Pacific controlled 33.24% of 2024 revenue and is projected for an 8.01% CAGR, making it both the largest and the fastest region in the tablet coatings market. India’s CRDMO operators collectively announce multi-year capex aimed at doubling coated-tablet output by 2030, supported by government production incentives. China’s modernization drive includes WuXi STA’s peptide complex that triples spray-drying and film-coating capacity; Korean player SK pharmteco injects USD 260 million into small-molecule lines, underscoring regional momentum. These investments pull in coating raw materials ranging from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose to specialized color blends.

North America retains its innovation edge. The FDA’s 2025 guideline on continuous processing triggers fresh equipment orders, while USD 160 billion in projected pharmaceutical capex provides a steady pipeline for retrofit opportunities. PCI Pharma’s USD 365 million upgrade and Hovione’s USD 170 million New Jersey expansion highlight the commitment to higher-value coating technologies.

Europe wrestles with regulatory unknowns surrounding TiO2 but compensates through technology leadership and large-scale peptide projects. CordenPharma’s EUR 900 million commitment underlines continued confidence, and Evonik’s restructuring channels resources into high-growth drug-delivery coatings. The upcoming EMA opinion on TiO2 may catalyze a wave of reformulations, providing suppliers of calcium-carbonate opacifiers and polymeric whiteners with new revenue streams.

Tablet Coatings Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Competitive Landscape

The tablet coatings market remains moderately concentrated. Colorcon tops the leaderboard, cementing position via a USD 740 million cellulose distribution alliance with Lotte Fine Chemical. BASF leverages a broad excipient catalog, while Evonik focuses on specialty acrylics that cut preparation time by 70%. Continuous innovation is vital. Jabil’s acquisition of Pharmaceutics International adds 360,000 ft² of CDMO space, signaling rising demand for turnkey coating services. Integer Holdings acquired Precision Coating to blend device surface expertise with pharma coatings, hinting at cross-sector convergence.

Partnerships drive technical depth. Hovione and Zerion Pharma formed a venture to scale Dispersome carriers, while Colorcon launches Nutrapure, targeting clean-label supplement makers. Sustainability is another competition axis; suppliers race to offer TiO2-free whites and biodegradable polymers in advance of potential mandates. Digitalization equally separates leaders, as companies integrate PAT, MES, and cloud analytics into equipment offerings, cutting downtime and providing predictive maintenance insights to clients.

Tablet Coatings Industry Leaders

  1. Merck KGaA

  2. Kerry Group PLC

  3. Ashland Global Holdings

  4. BASF SE

  5. Evonik Industries AG

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Tablet Coatings Market Concentration
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
Need More Details on Market Players and Competitors?
Download PDF

Recent Industry Developments

  • June 2025: Colorcon’s Opadry Complete Film Coating System wins the Market Impact Award at CPHI China 2025, acknowledging innovation and customer trust.
  • April 2025: Ashland expands its Brazilian plant for Aquarius coatings and adds a microbial-protection suite to reinforce global supply resilience.
  • February 2025: Roquette unveils a platform combining Tabshield and ReadiLYCOAT ready-to-use systems to serve Rx, nutraceutical, and OTC markets.
  • June 2024: Hovione debuts a continuous tableting line in Lisbon, co-developed with GEA, optimized for potent APIs and minimal material use.

Table of Contents for Tablet Coatings Industry Report

1. Introduction

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Landscape

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Expeditious Growth Of The Global Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Base
    • 4.2.2 Rapid Adoption Of Orphan Drugs & Nutraceuticals
    • 4.2.3 Growing Demand For Taste-Masking & Aesthetic Coatings For Pediatric And Geriatric Compliance
    • 4.2.4 Shift Toward Continuous Manufacturing In Solid-Dose Formulations
    • 4.2.5 Personalized Medicine Driving Demand For Mini-Tabs & Micro-Encapsulation
    • 4.2.6 Accelerated Regulatory Approvals Shortening Time-To-Market For Reformulated Tablets
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Stringent & Divergent Regional GMP Requirements
    • 4.3.2 Time- And Cost-Intensive Coating Process Validation
    • 4.3.3 Rising Scrutiny Of Titanium-Dioxide Use
    • 4.3.4 Supply-Chain Volatility In Specialty Polymers
  • 4.4 Value / Supply-Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Technology Outlook
  • 4.7 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.7.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.7.3 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. Market Size and Growth Forecasts (Value-USD)

  • 5.1 By Coating Type
    • 5.1.1 Film-coated
    • 5.1.2 Sugar-coated
    • 5.1.3 Enteric-coated
    • 5.1.4 Functional coatings
    • 5.1.5 Other coating types
  • 5.2 By Polymer
    • 5.2.1 Cellulose ethers
    • 5.2.2 Acrylic acid polymers
    • 5.2.3 Vinyl alcohol polymers
    • 5.2.4 Polyethylene glycol & derivatives
    • 5.2.5 Other polymers
  • 5.3 By Formulation Component
    • 5.3.1 Plasticizers
    • 5.3.2 Colorants
    • 5.3.3 Solvents / Vehicles
    • 5.3.4 Opacifiers & anti-tack agents
  • 5.4 By Process / Equipment
    • 5.4.1 Conventional pan coating
    • 5.4.2 Perforated pan coating
    • 5.4.3 Fluidized-bed coating
    • 5.4.4 Continuous coating systems
  • 5.5 By Application
    • 5.5.1 Immediate-release
    • 5.5.2 Sustained-release
    • 5.5.3 Extended-release
    • 5.5.4 Delayed / enteric release
  • 5.6 By End-User
    • 5.6.1 Pharmaceutical manufacturers
    • 5.6.2 Nutraceutical & dietary-supplement companies
    • 5.6.3 CDMOs & CMOs
  • 5.7 By Geography
    • 5.7.1 North America
    • 5.7.1.1 United States
    • 5.7.1.2 Canada
    • 5.7.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.7.2 Europe
    • 5.7.2.1 Germany
    • 5.7.2.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.7.2.3 France
    • 5.7.2.4 Italy
    • 5.7.2.5 Spain
    • 5.7.2.6 Rest of Europe
    • 5.7.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.7.3.1 China
    • 5.7.3.2 Japan
    • 5.7.3.3 India
    • 5.7.3.4 Australia
    • 5.7.3.5 South Korea
    • 5.7.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.7.4 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.7.4.1 GCC
    • 5.7.4.2 South Africa
    • 5.7.4.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa
    • 5.7.5 South America
    • 5.7.5.1 Brazil
    • 5.7.5.2 Argentina
    • 5.7.5.3 Rest of South America

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.3 Company profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 6.3.1 BPSI Holdings LLC (Colorcon)
    • 6.3.2 BASF SE
    • 6.3.3 Evonik Industries AG
    • 6.3.4 Ashland Global Holdings
    • 6.3.5 Kerry Group plc
    • 6.3.6 Merck KGaA
    • 6.3.7 DuPont de Nemours Inc.
    • 6.3.8 Sensient Technologies Corp.
    • 6.3.9 Wincoat Colours & Coatings Pvt Ltd
    • 6.3.10 Corel Pharma Chem
    • 6.3.11 JRS Pharma
    • 6.3.12 Eastman Chemical Company
    • 6.3.13 Roquette Frères
    • 6.3.14 Biogrund GmbH
    • 6.3.15 Ideal Cures Pvt Ltd
    • 6.3.16 Seppic (Air Liquide)
    • 6.3.17 Omya AG
    • 6.3.18 IMCD Group
    • 6.3.19 DFE Pharma
    • 6.3.20 ABITEC Corporation

7. Market Opportunities & Future Outlook

  • 7.1 White-space & unmet-need assessment
You Can Purchase Parts Of This Report. Check Out Prices For Specific Sections
Get Price Break-up Now

Global Tablet Coatings Market Report Scope

As per the scope of the report, tablet coating is the process of applying a coating material to the surface of the tablet to achieve the desired properties of the dosage form. Tablet coating is a significant step involved in the manufacturing process of tablet dosage forms. This coating process involves the deposition of thin and uniform polymer-based formulations onto the surface of solid dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, powders, granules, or pallets. 

the tablet coatings market is segmented by coating type (film-coated, sugar-coated, enteric-coated, and other coating types), polymer (cellulose ether polymers, vinyl alcohol polymers, acrylic acid polymers, and other polymers), formulation (plasticizer, colorant, and solvent (vehicle)), application (immediate-release, sustained-release, and extended-release), and geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The market report also covers the estimated market sizes and trends for 17 countries across major regions globally. The report offers the value (in USD million) for the above segments.

By Coating Type Film-coated
Sugar-coated
Enteric-coated
Functional coatings
Other coating types
By Polymer Cellulose ethers
Acrylic acid polymers
Vinyl alcohol polymers
Polyethylene glycol & derivatives
Other polymers
By Formulation Component Plasticizers
Colorants
Solvents / Vehicles
Opacifiers & anti-tack agents
By Process / Equipment Conventional pan coating
Perforated pan coating
Fluidized-bed coating
Continuous coating systems
By Application Immediate-release
Sustained-release
Extended-release
Delayed / enteric release
By End-User Pharmaceutical manufacturers
Nutraceutical & dietary-supplement companies
CDMOs & CMOs
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
Japan
India
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Middle East and Africa GCC
South Africa
Rest of Middle East and Africa
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
By Coating Type
Film-coated
Sugar-coated
Enteric-coated
Functional coatings
Other coating types
By Polymer
Cellulose ethers
Acrylic acid polymers
Vinyl alcohol polymers
Polyethylene glycol & derivatives
Other polymers
By Formulation Component
Plasticizers
Colorants
Solvents / Vehicles
Opacifiers & anti-tack agents
By Process / Equipment
Conventional pan coating
Perforated pan coating
Fluidized-bed coating
Continuous coating systems
By Application
Immediate-release
Sustained-release
Extended-release
Delayed / enteric release
By End-User
Pharmaceutical manufacturers
Nutraceutical & dietary-supplement companies
CDMOs & CMOs
By Geography
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
Japan
India
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Middle East and Africa GCC
South Africa
Rest of Middle East and Africa
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Need A Different Region or Segment?
Customize Now

Key Questions Answered in the Report

1. What is the current value of the tablet coatings market?

The tablet coatings market is valued at USD 0.986 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1.28 billion by 2030.

2. Which coating type generates the highest revenue?

Film-coated tablets hold 53.23% of 2024 revenue, making them the leading coating type.

3. Why is Asia-Pacific considered pivotal for market growth?

Asia-Pacific commands 33.24% share and posts the fastest 8.01% CAGR due to aggressive pharmaceutical manufacturing expansion in India, China, and South Korea.

4. How are regulations influencing titanium dioxide usage?

The European Medicines Agency is assessing TiO2 safety, and potential restrictions are pushing formulators toward calcium-carbonate and polymeric opacifiers.

5. What drives the surge in continuous manufacturing adoption?

Regulatory incentives from the FDA, coupled with demonstrable cost and quality benefits, are accelerating the shift from batch to continuous coating lines.

Page last updated on: July 6, 2025

Tablet Coatings Market Report Snapshots