United Caps’ S-Spring drives efficiency and branding

At Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, packaging manufacturer United Caps has introduced its new 26/22 S-SPRING closure.

The technology is being positioned as a smarter alternative in the highly mature and established sports cap segment, where differentiation now relies on balancing multiple operational and design requirements rather than introducing isolated features.

Developed to bring together “material efficiency, ease of use and design flexibility in a single closure concept,” the 26/22 S-SPRING offers food and drink producers a way to improve packaging sustainability while maintaining consumer convenience and shelf appeal.

The primary mechanical advantage of the 26/22 S-SPRING is its ability to deliver a lightweight construction without sacrificing the physical durability required for on-the-go beverage applications.

Designed to enhance the consumer’s drinking experience, the tethered closure incorporates several usability features: 

• Stable open position: the “click’n lock opening mechanism supports a stable open position with haptic feedback”.
• Intuitive handling: features “clear thumb positioning” to make “opening intuitive and comfortable in everyday use.”
• Optimal drinking angle: offers an “outstanding 190° opening angle to improve the drinking experience,” which is a signature of the manufacturer’s tethered cap portfolio.

For beverage brands focused on meeting strict sustainability targets, the closure’s mono-material structure supports recyclability requirements. According to internal comparative assessments, this design “contributes to an approximately 20% lower carbon footprint compared to typical market alternatives.”

In highly competitive retail beverage aisles, visual packaging design plays a critical role in capturing consumer attention. Beyond its physical and environmental performance, the 26/22 S-SPRING acts as a tool for brand distinction.

The cap’s two-piece construction enables visual customisation options, “including bi-colour differentiation enabled by its two-piece design.” This flexibility allows drink manufacturers to combine technical performance with stronger shelf presence.

The release of the 26/22 S-SPRING highlights a broader shift in the rigid packaging industry, where mature segments require holistic design optimisations rather than radical overhauls.

Benoît Henckes, CEO of United Caps, explained the strategic approach behind the new closure: “In a mature segment like sports caps, progress often comes from combining multiple improvements rather than focusing on a single feature. With 26/22 S-SPRING, we aimed to bring together key performance elements in a way that supports both operational needs and product differentiation.”