HPMC is used as a binder, water retention agent, and plasticizer in cement-based products, such as mortars, plasters, and grouts. It is also used as a water-soluble polymer in the production of gypsum board and as a rheology-modifying agent in paint and coatings.

Chemical properties

3 Assessment

European law allows for the use of HPMC capsules in the manufacture of organic product, where exceptions are not made for other shell materials. HPMC is not as cheap to buy as gelatin capsules, but is relatively inexpensive.

Major Producers:

The largest HPMC manufacturers are global chemical and pharmaceutical companies that have manufacturing capabilities in several countries. Among these, we can mention Dow Chemical Company, Ashland, and Shin-Etsu Chemical. These companies are known for their ability to produce high-quality HPMC suitable for a wide range of applications, including those requiring high standards such as the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Importance in the Gluten Free Food Industry:

In the context of gluten-free, the importance of HPMC has grown alongside the growing awareness and diagnosis of celiac disease and other gluten sensitivities. The need for gluten-free products that maintain the sensorial and structural qualities of traditional foods has driven the search for effective additives such as HPMC.

Current Considerations:

Although HPMC is widely used and generally considered safe, the current trend in the food industry is moving towards less processed and more natural ingredients. This may influence consumer perceptions of HPMC and other similar additives. However, its effectiveness as a gluten substitute in gluten-free preparations still makes it a valuable ingredient for many producers and consumers.

3.2.6 Safety for the environment

Der Vorteil von Kapselprodukten liegt wahrscheinlich auf der Hand: Pflanzenextrakte, Vitamine & Mineralstoffe, Aminosäuren oder andere Mikronährstoffe können bedarfsgerecht portioniert werden. Die Tagesportion eines bestimmten Produktes kann so unter Angabe der Kapseln pro Tag ganz einfach erreicht werden, ohne lästiges Abwiegen. Zudem sind die Inhaltsstoffe lichtgeschützt verpackt und anders als Pulver- oder Tablettenprodukte nahezu geschmacksneutral.

When the formulation is applied to a substrate, the water evaporates, and HPMC forms a continuous film on the surface. This film provides adhesion, cohesion, and improved workability to the construction material. The thickening property of HPMC is a result of its long and flexible polymer chains, which entangle and interact with other particles in the formulation, leading to increased viscosity.

1)Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is soluble in cold water, while dissolution in hot water can be challenging. However, its gelation temperature in hot water is significantly higher than that of Methyl Cellulose. Compared to Methyl Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose shows improved solubility in cold water.

HPMC-Kapseln sind nicht magensaftresistent, das bedeutet, sie lösen sich bereits im Magen auf und geben so die Inhaltsstoffe frei.

Magensaftresistente Kapseln können zwar ebenfalls aus HPMC bestehen, sie sind aber zusätzlich noch mit synthetischen Stoffen überzogen, die der Magensäure standhalten. Die Idee hinter solchen Kapseln ist, dass sie sich im Dünn- bzw. Dickdarm auflösen und dort erst die Inhaltsstoffe freigeben. Dies ist dann sinnvoll, wenn bspw. das saure Milieu des Magens die Wirkstoffe zerstören würde. Die Einnahme solcher Kapseln sollte aber immer mit dem behandelnden Arzt bzw. der Ärztin abgesprochen werden, da die Anwendung genau beachtet werden muss.