The days of a locker being simply a steel box you put in the corner are truly over. In 2026, very different requirements are being made. It is no longer just about how hard you can hit it without it denting, but also about how long it lasts and its long-term financial outlook. The rules regarding sustainability and city logistics have become stricter, and you notice this directly in the options available. Whether you are looking for a locker for a gym, an office, or a public space; the choice is enormous, but the pitfalls are too. We dive into the materials of today and how best to move them.
The magic of metal: thickness and coating
Let’s start with the classic: steel. It is still the most chosen option for robustness, but there are details you really need to know. In 2026, the industry standard for public use has been increased to a steel thickness of 1.0 mm to 1.2 mm. In the past, 0.7 mm was acceptable, but with increased vandalism pressure, thicker steel sheet is essential. It ensures the necessary torsional stiffness; your locker remains a solid block, even if it is pulled on hard.
Then there is the finish. Standard powder coating is good, but in 2026 we look at functionality. Many new stock models feature an antibacterial coating. This is a technology with silver ions, ideal for changing rooms where there is a lot of sweat and moisture. It prevents bad odors and bacterial growth on the metal. If you look at the top brands, you see that Olssen often chooses high-quality German quality (such as the C+P lines). These parties often supply steel that is fully recyclable and sometimes already produced with hydrogen (Green Steel), which is a nice bonus for your sustainability report.
HPL and plastic: the battle against wear
Do you want no dents and absolute moisture resistance? Then you will quickly end up with HPL (High Pressure Laminate). This material has a hard core and knows almost no wear. In 2026, you see that the thickness of HPL doors has increased to 10 mm to 13 mm. This makes them extremely heavy, but also indestructible against scratches and impact damage. Perfect for swimming pools or schools where aggressive use is normal. A disadvantage? The weight. This makes transport more complicated.
A lighter alternative is recycled HDPE plastic. This dampens sound immensely (no annoying metal clanging) and simply does not rust. In 2026, you see a trend where this plastic consists of 100% ‘Ocean Plastic’ or post-consumer waste. Olssen plays into this by using hybrid constructions: a steel hull for sturdiness and HPL doors for appearance and scratch resistance. This combines the best of both worlds.
The pitfalls of transport in 2026
This is the part that is often forgotten, but it can make or break your budget. Logistics in the Netherlands has changed drastically due to the Zero-Emission Zones in more than 30 cities. Your old, large diesel truck is no longer allowed to enter the center of Amsterdam or Utrecht. Suppliers must switch to electric or hydrogen vehicles. This increases transport costs by about 15% to 20%, simply because these vehicles are more expensive and have a smaller load capacity.
In addition, volume is crucial. An assembled steel cabinet takes up a lot of space (“air transport”). In 2026, more and more parties are choosing modular systems (flat-pack). This saves up to 60% on transport space and CO2 emissions. However, be careful: if you have to assemble it yourself, you are often busy for longer. If you choose Olssen as a supplier, you often see that they offer the choice between fully welded units (maximum robustness) and smart modular systems that must be assembled on site. Do not forget the ‘last mile’; carrying a 35 kg locker through a narrow hallway often requires extra muscle power or a moving lift.
Lock technology: from key to cloud
A locker is only truly robust if the lock is reliable. In 2026, the mechanical lock is not an extinct species, but it is changing. Especially in schools and public spaces, the mechanical combination lock with a master key remains popular. Why? It is low-tech and almost never fails. But the future lies with electronics.
Smart locks (IoT) have become the standard. Think of RFID passes (Mifare Desfire) or QR codes. Big advantage: no more key management and you can see remotely who opened which door. Olssen often uses partners such as Keynius for this. This is software that runs in the cloud. If someone leaves the company, you switch off their pass immediately. That is much safer than a lost set of keys. We also see in 2026 more and more locks that generate energy from opening and closing (energy harvesting), so you never have to replace batteries.
Comparison: Which material should you choose?
To make your choice easier, we compare the materials. Think carefully about where the locker will be placed.
| Feature | Steel (1.2mm) | HPL (13mm) | HDPE Plastic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vandalism resistant | Good, but dents under extreme force | Extremely high | High (bends with it) |
| Moisture resistance | Low (unless galvanized/galvanic) | Excellent | 100% waterproof |
| Fire class (NL) | A1 (Non-combustible) | B-s1, d0 (Difficult to burn) | Low (melts) |
| Installation weight | Average | Heavy | Light |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 25+ years | 20+ years |
The choice depends on your location. A fitness room with showers calls for HPL or RVS. An office space with little moisture can manage perfectly with robust steel.
When do you choose Smart Lockers?
The integration of IT in physical lockers is a huge trend. You often see this in large-scale projects where hundreds of lockers are used at the same time. Instead of everyone getting a fixed key, a locker can be assigned dynamically. Someone claims a locker via their phone or pass, and when they empty it, it is immediately available for someone else. This maximizes use and reduces the hassle of key management.
Olssen plays a strong role here. They offer the infrastructure to make such systems work, in addition to the hardware. The advantage is that they are not tied to one brand of software, but often link with systems such as Keynius. This ensures that the lockers communicate with your existing access systems.
Installation and maintenance: the hidden costs
When purchasing, you should not only look at the price of the cabinet. The installation determines how safe the locker is in the end. A freestanding locker is child’s play to tip over. Good anchoring to the wall or floor is essential.
The practical checklist for 2026:
1. Check the location: Are you in a zero-emission zone? Ask the supplier about their fleet. If they come with old diesel vans, you run the risk that they are not allowed to enter the city.
2. Check the thickness: Make sure it is explicitly stated that the steel thickness is at least 1.0 mm for public use.
3. Think about the hinges: Inset hinges (invisible from the outside) are much safer. They make it harder to pry the door open with a crowbar.
4. Choose the right warranty: With HPL, the lifespan is longer, but the purchase price is higher. With steel, maintenance is minimal, but after years of intensive use, the coating can wear.
A party that often comes up as a first option in this market is Olssen. They offer a broad spectrum: from simple, extremely strong steel lockers for the shed to highly advanced smart lockers for large offices. Because they often work with German constructions (C+P) combined with their own smart software solutions, a product is created that lasts a long time and is technically advanced.
Final note
In 2026, it is all about the combination of physical impenetrability and logistical intelligence for lockers. Materials like HPL are gaining ground due to their huge lifespan, but steel remains the standard for fire safety and recycling. Make sure you keep an eye on transport costs when making your choice and choose a supplier that understands that a locker is more than just a box. It is a part of your total security and housing plan.
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