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

PRESS INTERVIEW REQUESTS
Journalists wishing to arrange interviews with UNITED CAPS leadership during Interpack can contact:

Monika Dürr
monika.duerr@prservices24.onmicrosoft.com
Mobile +49 171 204 9157

Short Version of this press release
UNITED CAPS will present its 26/22 S-SPRING closure at Interpack 2026 (Hall 10 / D67), positioned as a smarter alternative in the sports cap segment. In a mature market, differentiation increasingly depends on combining multiple performance factors rather than focusing on a single feature. The 26/22 S-SPRING brings these elements together: lightweight construction, usability and material efficiency. The mono-material structure supports recyclability requirements, while its two-piece design enables visual bi-colour customisation for brand differentiation.

At Interpack, visitors can explore the solution within the UNITED CAPS BETTER LAB, an interactive space where sessions can be pre-booked with UNITED CAPS experts.

BETTER LAB advance booking: https://wkf.ms/3Og7EbN

For more information about innovative solutions from UNITED CAPS, please visit www.unitedcaps.com.

ABOUT UNITED CAPS
UNITED CAPS is a global industry reference for the design and production of high-performance plastic caps and closures. Extensive innovative capabilities and a broad portfolio of advanced standard and bespoke solutions make UNITED CAPS a preferred partner for world-leading companies. We support our customers’ value chain by safeguarding product integrity, assuring safety, consumer health, and sustainability, and ultimately protecting their brand reputation. UNITED is not just the name of our company; it’s also our core philosophy and the principle we stand for. Together, UNITED, we are always better, always stronger.

As a highly dynamic and flexible family-based group, UNITED CAPS offers end-to-end solutions, including mold-making capability, to serve a wide range of applications and markets around the world. The company is headquartered in Luxembourg and has manufacturing facilities in Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Employing around 740 people, UNITED CAPS’ turnover amounts to 176 million Euros (as of the end of 2025), with over 10 billion closures produced.
www.unitedcaps.com

PRESS CONTACT
Monika Dürr / PR consultant
monika.duerr@prservices24.onmicrosoft.com
+49 (0)6104 944895