CPHI 2025: Lonza Capsugel spotlights delivery tech and sustainability in nutraceuticals

At the upcoming CPHI trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, Lonza Capsugel will be highlighting its latest delivery technologies and sustainability initiatives for the nutraceutical industry. Ahead of the expo next week (October 28–30), Nutrition Insight meets with Giuseppe Pacileo, VP and business unit head EMEA at Lonza Capsugel, to explore its offerings for next-generation supplements.

“We’ll be showcasing how our newly launched Innovation Services can help brands stay one step ahead with their next nutraceutical supplement innovation,” says Pacileo. “Harnessing our advanced polymer science and capsule technology expertise, we help to turn ideas into breakthrough supplements through our ingredient delivery systems.”

“Our technical and commercial experts will also be on hand to help visitors explore Lonza Capsugel’s sustainability credentials,” he adds. 

“As consumers search for more planet-friendly nutraceutical supplements, sustainability must be integrated into the entire product development process — from early innovation phases to packaging.” 

Pacileo says that at the company’s stand 8.0S76, Lonza Capsugel will highlight the investment in decarbonizing its European manufacturing sites at Bornem, Belgium, and Colmar, France. It will also reveal how its capabilities and services can help increase product transparency. 

“Lonza Capsugel experts can also explain how our newly appointed ‘Center of Applied Sustainability’ can support the sustainability ambitions of our customers through precise carbon footprint calculations and best-in-class supply chain assessments.”

Delivery tech advances

Lonza Capsugel will highlight its advanced delivery technologies at the trade show. Pacileo says the company’s dosage form solutions solve formulation challenges, while creating “eye-catching supplements,” to maximize a product’s potential. 

“Our unique ingredient delivery systems — including the Licaps liquid-filled capsules, Licaps Duocap dual release capsules, and Licaps Beadlets Technology — represent the cutting-edge of capsule technology.” 

Pacileo says that Lonza Capsugel’s advanced delivery technologies solve formulation challenges, while creating eye-catching supplements.The company’s Licaps technology can prevent leaks and enhance ingredient protection through liquid-filled capsules. It also enables tailored release profiles that deliver otherwise incompatible ingredients through the Beadlets tech. With Licaps Duocap Dual Release Capsules, Lonza Capsugel offers a capsule-in-capsule technology that combines multiple ingredients. 

“At CPHI, visitors can see how Lonza Capsugel’s UC-II undenatured type II collagen can be easily integrated into these dosage form solutions,” Pacileo explains. “When paired with curcumin, the Licaps Duocap Dual Release Capsules can enable combined release, and when paired with omega-3 oil, the Licaps Beadlets technology can enhance appeal without compromising on efficacy.” 

“For brands researching their next innovation, we’ve created a range of product concepts that bring together science-backed ingredients and innovative dosage form solutions,” he continues. “These concepts showcase how brands can leverage the latest supplement trends for mobility, women’s health, beauty, longevity, and more.”

Meeting consumer demands

Pacileo says it’s essential to keep one step ahead in an ever-changing industry and society. The company helps brands anticipate consumer needs and industry changes to ensure that their supplements stand out in growing nutraceutical markets.

“For instance, consumers are now — and going forward — expecting more from their supplements when it comes to efficacy and experiential solutions.” 

Earlier this year, we met with the company to discuss future-proofing nutraceuticals beyond a traditional capsule or pill for healthy aging, women’s health, and overall wellness.

Beyond specific health benefits, Pacileo says consumers want science-backed solutions and sensory innovations. “To enable our customers to cater to this growing market, we can work in close partnership with them to develop nutritional supplements that meet efficacy demands and capture consumers’ senses.”

At last year’s SupplySide West, we discussed Lonza’s multi-sensory capsules with AromatiQ technology with the company.Another significant trend he observes is a growing vegan supplement demand. “According to Lonza Capsugel’s proprietary research, 40% of supplement users cite the importance of ’vegan’ as a purchasing factor.” 

“Elevating vegan capsules for enhanced consumer appeal, our colorful Vcaps Plus HPMC capsules offer the broadest range of color possibilities on the market — including innovative food-colored capsules and TiO2-free options — and they offer an ideal solution for moisture-sensitive ingredients such as choline and L-carnitine.” 

In addition, the company’s Plantcaps pullulan capsules are designed for the needs of the growing and very discerning healthy lifestyle market. This formulation only contains naturally occurring substances and no artificial substances.

“These vegan capsules are natural, transparent, plant-based immediate-release capsules that offer excellent oxygen barrier properties, while also aligning with consumers’ clean label goals and the growing demand for non-artificial, plant-based solutions,” details Pacileo.  

Healthier humans and pets

In terms of health benefits, Lonza Capsugel highlights a growing consumer interest in expanding their healthspan or number of years spent in good health, for themselves and their pets. 

“The humanization of pets means more pet owners are reflecting their own lifestyles on their pets,” says Pacileo. “Today’s pet owners are proactive supplement users themselves and increasingly expect human-quality solutions for their pets.” 

“As many consumers have focused on their own long-term health and wellness, pet parents are taking a more proactive approach to pet health to ensure that their four-legged friends live healthier and longer. Helping keep animals active and comfortable as they age is key, which is why we are seeing a surge in demand for solutions that offer effective mobility and joint health support.” 

He highlights the company’s UC-II undenatured type II collagen’s potential in supporting joint health and mobility in humans and companion animals. A comprehensive body of evidence-based research backs this ingredient. 

“Unlike other forms of collagen on the market, it retains its three-dimensional structure due to its patented manufacturing method,” says Pacileo. “The ingredient is available at different grades for both humans and dogs, offering joint health and mobility support at a low daily dose of 40 mg.”