Humidity Control in Softgel and Capsule Production

Impact of Humidity on Capsule and Softgel Production

In the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries, hard capsules and softgels are among the most common dosage forms. However, both types are highly sensitive to ambient humidity. Therefore, maintaining proper humidity control during the production process is essential to prevent serious issues that could affect product quality, production efficiency, and shelf life.

Effects of Humidity on Capsule Production

Capsule shells are typically made from gelatin or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), both of which are highly hygroscopic. As a result, capsule manufacturing and storage require strict humidity control, ideally maintaining a stable range of 30–50%. Deviations from this range can cause capsule deformation, significantly impacting product quality.

The softgel capsule production process must adhere to strict humidity requirements to ensure product quality

• High humidity (above 50%): Capsule shells absorb moisture and swell, leading to stickiness, difficulties in packaging, and machinery blockages. The powdered ingredients inside may also clump together, affecting dosage accuracy.
• Low humidity (below 30%): Capsules lose moisture, becoming brittle and prone to cracking. This makes sealing difficult and increases the risk of damage during transportation.

Effects of Humidity on Softgel Production

Softgel capsules are typically made from gelatin, glycerin, and water, making them highly susceptible to humidity changes. If humidity levels exceed 60%, the capsule shells may become too soft, lose their shape, or stick together. Conversely, low humidity can cause the shells to become brittle and prone to cracking. Improper humidity levels can also alter the active ingredients inside, compromising product quality.

During storage, softgel capsules can either absorb moisture or lose water, affecting their hardness and flexibility. High humidity can cause swelling, stickiness, or leakage, while low humidity can lead to shrinkage and brittleness. This accelerates degradation, reducing product quality and shelf life.

Humidity has a significant impact on the softgel production process

To ensure softgels maintain optimal quality, the drying process must be carefully controlled in terms of both temperature and humidity. The rate of moisture evaporation depends on factors such as capsule size, quantity, and natural evaporation dynamics. For effective drying without compromising capsule integrity, an ideal temperature of 20–25.5°C and stable humidity levels must be maintained. Only under these optimal conditions can softgel capsules retain their durability, shape, and overall quality.

Benefits of Proper Humidity Control in Softgel and Capsule Manufacturing

Humidity is a crucial factor that directly impacts the quality of capsules and softgel production. Proper humidity control ensures product durability, stability, and effectiveness while minimizing risks such as deformation, sticking, or loss of active ingredients.

4 benefits of using dehumidifiers correctly in capsule and softgel production

• Preserving Capsule Structure: High humidity can cause softgels to stick, deform, or disintegrate prematurely, while low humidity makes the shell brittle and prone to cracking.
• Protecting Active Ingredients: Optimal humidity control prevents moisture-related degradation, preserving the therapeutic efficacy of the product.
• Optimizing Production Efficiency: A controlled environment reduces issues like material clumping, machine blockages, and packaging errors.
• Extending Shelf Life: Capsules and softgels produced and stored under stable humidity conditions maintain their quality for longer, reducing spoilage during transportation and distribution.

Various solutions are available for humidity control in capsule manufacturing, including desiccants, automated humidity monitoring systems, and temperature-ventilation control. However, the most effective solution is industrial dehumidifiers, which provide automatic, stable humidity regulation to maintain ideal conditions. Additionally, modern dehumidifiers come with multi-functional features, optimizing manufacturing processes and improving production efficiency.

Top 5 Best Dehumidifiers for Effective Humidity Control in Softgel and Capsule Production (2025)

Kosmen is a reputable technology brand in Vietnam, specializing in dehumidifiers and air purifiers for residential and industrial applications. In the medical sector, Kosmen dehumidifiers have been widely chosen by major hospitals across the country, including Saigon Eye Hospital, Children's Hospital 1, Bach Mai Hospital, and Hospital 175.

Kosmen KM-90S Industrial Dehumidifier

The Kosmen KM-90S is a high-performance dehumidifier with a capacity of 90 liters/day, ideal for small to medium-sized softgel and capsule manufacturing facilities. Its compact design allows for easy movement between production and pharmaceutical storage areas. With a powerful dehumidification system, the KM-90S ensures stable humidity control, preventing ingredient clumping and capsule sticking during packaging. This model is an excellent choice for mid-sized production workshops and ingredient mixing areas.

The Kosmen KM-90S dehumidifier keeps the space dry and maintains stable humidity during capsule and softgel production

Technical Specifications:

• Dehumidification Capacity: 90 liters/day
• Coverage Area: 90 - 120 m²
• Water Tank Capacity: 8 liters
• Noise Level: ≤ 54dB (A)
• Airflow Rate: 750 m³/h

Kosmen KM-180S Industrial Dehumidifier

With a dehumidification capacity of up to 180 liters/day, the Kosmen KM-180S is an optimal choice for larger-scale factories. The unit operates efficiently and maintains an ideal humidity level between 40-50% RH, ensuring that softgel capsules remain intact without softening or deforming. The KM-180S is widely used in packaging, drying, and curing areas, as well as capsule storage and raw material warehouses, where precise humidity control is essential to preserving pharmaceutical quality.

The Kosmen KM-180S dehumidifier delivers superior dehumidification performance, ensuring humidity control across various stages of pharmaceutical manufacturing

Technical Specifications:

• Dehumidification Capacity: 180 liters/day
• Coverage Area: 200 - 250 m²
• Noise Level: ≤ 65dB (A)
• Airflow Rate: 1800 m³/h

Kosmen KM-480S Industrial Dehumidifier

The Kosmen KM-480S is a high-capacity dehumidifier with an impressive 480 liters/day dehumidification rate. With precise humidity control, it ensures a stable production environment, particularly in large-scale manufacturing areas and finished product storage facilities. Utilizing the KM-480S helps minimize product damage, enhance production efficiency, and reduce operational costs.

The Kosmen KM-480S dehumidifier provides precise humidity control, protecting the quality of capsules and softgels

Technical Specifications:

• Dehumidification Capacity: 480 liters/day
• Coverage Area: 600 - 800 m²
• Noise Level: ≤ 68dB (A)
• Airflow Rate: 4800 m³/h

Kosmen KM-66E Ceiling-Mounted Dehumidifier

With a compact ceiling-mounted design, the Kosmen KM-66E is the perfect choice for manufacturing facilities with limited space. With a dehumidification capacity of 66 liters/day, it is ideal for capsule filling rooms and storage areas for moisture-sensitive materials. This model operates quietly and efficiently, does not take up floor space, and helps maintain a stable production environment without disrupting operations.

The Kosmen KM-66E ceiling-mounted dehumidifier features a compact design, optimizing the capsule and softgel production process

Technical Specifications:

• Dehumidification Capacity: 66 liters/day
• Coverage Area: 60 - 80 m²
• Noise Level: ≤ 52dB (A)
• Airflow Rate: 500 m³/h

Kosmen KM-180DS Ceiling-Mounted Dehumidifier

The Kosmen KM-180DS is a state-of-the-art ceiling-mounted dehumidifier featuring advanced German technology. With a dehumidification capacity of 180 liters/day, it is well-suited for fully enclosed softgel capsule production facilities and high-standard storage warehouses. Its ceiling-mounted design maximizes dehumidification coverage while maintaining a tidy and aesthetic workspace.

The Kosmen KM-180S industrial dehumidifier enables remote operation and ensures outstanding humidity control in pharmaceutical manufacturing

Technical Specifications:

• Dehumidification Capacity: 180 liters/day
• Coverage Area: 200 - 250 m²
• Compressor: Panasonic
• Airflow Rate: 2000 m³/h

Proper humidity control not only preserves the quality of softgel capsules and hard gelatin capsules but also enhances production efficiency and minimizes risks. Using Kosmen dehumidifiers for pharmaceutical production humidity control is the optimal choice for many businesses.

Contact information

• Head office: No. 27B Street 12,Hiep Binh Phuoc Ward, Thu Duc city, Ho Chi Minh City 
• Ha Noi Branch: No. NV 4.7 Hai Au 2 Street, Cau Buu Urban Area, Thanh Tri District, Ha Noi City
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• Website: https://kosmen.com.vn/