Bi-colour options of the 26/22 S-SPRING closure from UNITED CAPS enhance on-shelf visibility and brand differentiation.
At Interpack 2026 (Hall 10 / D67), UNITED CAPS will present its new 26/22 S-SPRING closure, positioned as a smarter alternative in the sports cap segment.
Balancing performance requirements in a mature segment
The sports cap market is well established, with a wide range of solutions already available. As a result, differentiation is less about introducing entirely new features and more about combining multiple performance factors in a balanced way. The 26/22 S-SPRING was developed with this in mind, bringing together material efficiency, ease of use and design flexibility in a single closure concept.
Combining lightweight construction with practical usability
The closure offers a lightweight construction while maintaining the robustness required for demanding applications. Its click’n lock opening mechanism supports a stable open position with haptic feedback, while the clear thumb positioning makes opening intuitive and comfortable in everyday use. Typical of the UNITED CAPS tethered caps range, the 26/22 S-SPRING features an outstanding 190° opening angle to improve the drinking experience. In addition, the mono-material structure supports recyclability requirements, aligning with ongoing industry efforts to simplify material streams and improve packaging sustainability. This approach also contributes to an approximately 20% lower carbon footprint compared to typical market alternatives, based on internal comparative assessment.
Supporting differentiation through design flexibility
Beyond functional performance, the 26/22 S-SPRING also enables brand differentiation through visual customisation options, including bi-colour differentiation enabled by its two-piece design. This allows manufacturers to combine technical performance with stronger shelf presence in competitive product categories.
A balanced approach explored at BETTER LAB
At Interpack, the 26/22 S-SPRING will feature alongside the UNITED CAPS BETTER LAB, an interactive space where visitors can pre-book sessions with UNITED CAPS experts to explore packaging requirements and solution approaches in a practical, application-focused setting.
“In a mature segment like sports caps, progress often comes from combining multiple improvements rather than focusing on a single feature,” said Benoît Henckes, CEO of UNITED CAPS. “With 26/22 S-SPRING, we aimed to bring together key performance elements in a way that supports both operational needs and product differentiation.”
Visitors can explore the solution at the UNITED CAPS booth and pre-book dedicated sessions via the BETTER LAB platform to discuss specific applications and operational requirements.
BETTER LAB advance booking: https://wkf.ms/3Og7EbN