The days when a locker in care was just a steel box where you can store your keys are definitely over. In 2026, it is all about infection prevention and efficiency. A locker is no longer just a “piece of furniture,” but a strategic tool that helps create a clean and safe working environment. The choice of the right material and the right lock will soon determine not only the comfort of the staff, but especially the operational costs and the hygiene standard.
The players on the Dutch market
When it comes to electronic locker systems, Olssen is the undisputed market leader in the Netherlands. Their focus on ‘U-Safe’ technology and easy integration with staff cards makes them a strong choice for large hospitals. They combine German build quality with smart software.
In addition to Olssen, there is Vecos, which focuses strongly on ‘Releezme’ software. This is especially popular in situations where flexible storage is important. CP Benelux focuses more on physical hardware with extremely strong coatings. Sonesto is often seen in projects for changing room facilities, specifically for the separation between clean and dirty laundry. Finally, there is Lockerbox, which is often chosen for patient-bound lockers or for storing small valuables near beds.
What should you pay attention to in 2026?
The hygiene standards have become stricter. A locker must not become a source of bacteria. Here are the specifications you should not skip:
- Antimicrobial coating: This has become essential. We are talking about silver-ion technology in the powder coating that kills up to 99.9% of bacteria (including MRSA).
- Dust cover mandatory: To prevent dust from collecting on top of the cabinet, flat roofs are no longer allowed in 2026. A slope of 20 to 30 degrees is the standard.
- Contactless closing: Physical keys are a hygiene risk and are therefore ‘out’. The standard is now RFID (such as Mifare Desfire), NFC via a smartphone or biometrics.
- UV-C Disinfection: This is the real newcomer. Lockers that provide 60 seconds of UV-C light after each use to sterilize the inside are gaining ground in high-care environments.
- Cleaning convenience: Pay attention to cabinets that stand on pedestals (at least 150mm high) so that cleaning robots or floor scrubbers can pass underneath. Seamless finishing on the inside is also crucial.
Prices: What does a hygiene locker cost in 2026?
Material scarcity and the development costs of smart software are causing a slight rise in prices. Expect an inflation correction of approximately 3% to 5% compared to 2024. Below you will find an overview of the expected costs per type of locker.
| Type of Locker | Material | Locking System | Price per compartment (excl. VAT) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Wardrobe | Powder-coated steel (AM) | Mechanical combination lock | €185 – €260 | Basic staff room |
| Hygiene Locker Plus | HPL (Moisture resistant) | RFID / Staff card | €350 – €480 | OR changing room, CSA |
| Smart Asset Locker | Steel + USB-C charger | App-based (IoT) | €420 – €550 | Desktop tools / Mobile equipment |
| UV-C Disinfection Kit | Stainless steel / Glass insert | Automatic sensor | €750 – €1.100 | High-care sterilization items |
| Linen/Dirty laundry cabinet | Powder-coated steel | Central lock / Push | €290 – €410 | Logistics clean laundry |
Note: The costs for software (OPEX) average between €2.50 and €5.00 per locker per year. Installation often costs 10-15% of the hardware value.
The decision factors: Investing smarter
The way of investing is changing. It is no longer about how many lockers you buy, but how you use them. The focus shifts from static storage to dynamic assets. This is what you should consider:
- The user ratio: In 2026, you no longer buy a locker for every employee. Through smart software, a ratio of 1:3 (one locker for three employees) becomes common. This lowers the total investment by up to 40%, even if the price per locker is higher.
- Integration with HR systems: The software must connect with systems such as AFAS or Raet. If someone leaves the company, their access to the locker must be blocked immediately.
- AVG and privacy: The software must log who used which locker when, but must not store personal data permanently. This is called ‘privacy by design’.
- Sustainability: Ask for ‘Cradle-to-Cradle’ certification. Suppliers such as Olssen often offer buy-back guarantees on steel.
Do you have specific requirements for the integration of systems? Then it is wise to look at the best connections for locker systems in the Netherlands.
The infection prevention checklist
For infection prevention experts, these are the hard requirements that a locker must meet in 2026:
* Are the hinges processed internally? (This prevents dirt accumulation).
* Is the material resistant to hydrogen peroxide spraying?
* Does the locker have ventilation slots? And are these perforated so that dust does not drift inside?
* Is the bottom removable for deep cleaning?
Hidden costs you need to consider
In addition to the purchase price, there are operational costs that are often forgotten. Add these to your budget:
* Battery replacement: For wireless electronic locks, the battery must be replaced every 2 to 3 years. Calculate approximately €15 per compartment.
* Cloud hosting: The costs for the software management interface.
* Emergency opening service: Costs incurred if the local administrator cannot operate the central console.
For specific branches, there are often separate needs. For example, are you looking for solutions for the government or hotels? Then take a look at the following articles:
* Government lockers Netherlands 2026: providers quotes [Checklist]
* Hotel lockers Netherlands 2026: ordering and lease [Checklist]
Facilitating a workflow instead of buying a cabinet
The essence of 2026 is seeing a locker as a data point in the logistics of your organization. Whether it concerns employees or patients, the software behind it ensures efficiency. For SMEs or factories specifically looking for personal storage, there is a clear shift towards integrated systems. Read more here about ordering and the conditions for factory personal lockers in the Netherlands.
Making the right choice depends on whether you want to share lockers or whether they need to be assigned statically. It is a trade-off between flexibility and safety. If you are looking for the best technical connections and how to implement them, it is useful to look at the details about locker systems best connection Netherlands 2026.
Ultimately, it comes down to finding a balance. You want to meet the strictest hygiene requirements of the inspection, but at the same time save on square meters and operational costs. The trend continues: lockers are becoming smarter, cleaner, and more efficient.
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