Pharmaceutical packaging has evolved into a critical component of drug performance as therapies become more sophisticated and patient-centric.
ACG, headquartered in India and operating for over six decades, has established itself as Asia’s largest capsule manufacturer by building integrated capabilities across capsules, packaging materials, machinery, and inspection systems.
“We are the second-largest capsule manufacturer globally,” says Dr Sheikh Akbar Ali, general manager and head of development and technology. “Our capsule-in-capsule technology allows solids and liquids to be delivered together, which is increasingly important for nutraceutical formulations.”
Integration at the core
ACG’s capsule business extends beyond production to include formulation support, regulatory guidance, compatibility testing, and customisation. Its vegetarian capsules are now fully plant-based.
“Gelatin capsules can soften or stick when exposed to heat and moisture,” Dr Ali explains. “Plant-based capsules offer better stability, and our Aurangabad facility is dedicated entirely to their manufacture.”
The company also produces its packaging films and foils internally. These include high-barrier materials designed to protect medicines from moisture, oxygen, and light—key factors affecting shelf life and efficacy.
“We assess barrier performance across temperature and humidity ranges and also evaluate formed blisters to ensure real-world reliability,” says Dr Ali.
ACG offers both thermoform PVC blisters and cold-form aluminium laminate blisters. Cold-form blisters provide superior protection for moisture- and oxygen-sensitive drugs but require more space. Aluminium recovery from cold-form packs is possible through pyrolysis, while recycling thermoform blisters remains limited due to composite structures.
End-to-end offerings and expansion
ACG supplies hard-shell gelatin and HPMC capsules suitable for a wide range of fillings, supported by extensive colour options, finishes, and anti-counterfeiting features. Clean-label vegetarian capsules and R&D services complement the portfolio.
Packaging laminates and specialised foils are paired with engineering solutions for granulation, pelletisation, capsule filling, tablet compression and coating, blistering, cartoning, vision inspection, and track-and-trace.
With operations in nearly 140 countries, ACG continues to expand its global footprint. “Our packaging facilities span India, Brazil, Dubai, and now Croatia,” says Dr Ali, with further European expansion planned.
Shaping the future
Pharmaceutical packaging demand is rising due to demographic shifts, chronic diseases, and increasingly complex therapies. Logistics challenges persist, particularly during transport through hot climates.
At the same time, personalised medicine, smart packaging, AI-enabled inspection, sustainability-driven materials, and anti-counterfeiting technologies are redefining packaging requirements—areas where ACG is actively investing to support the next phase of industry growth.