A work shoe stored incorrectly and your own jeans in one locker: it sounds innocent, but it is a disaster for corporate hygiene. Especially in sectors where you work with food, chemicals, or vulnerable patients, cross-contamination between your dirty work pants and your clean jacket must not occur. The solution is simple but effective: a locker with a dividing panel. This divides the cabinet into two. On the left side, you store what you bring from home; on the right side, you put your work clothes. In 2026, this is no longer a luxury but a hard requirement. You are legally obliged to provide good changing rooms.
Why that dividing wall is so important
Imagine this: you start your shift in the kitchen. You take off your sausage roll and throw it in your locker. Tomorrow you take it out again, but now there might be chicken fat on it from the previous occupant. You don’t want that. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (article 3.23), contaminating working conditions must lead to separate storage spaces. This is laid down in specific hygiene guidelines such as HACCP and BRC.
A simple locker is not sufficient then. You need a “separating cabinet.” Technically speaking, that is a locker divided into two on the inside. This prevents bad smells, mold formation, and, most importantly, fines from the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). When they come for an inspection, they check immediately whether the dirty laundry is separated from the clean laundry.
What can you expect from a locker in 2026?
The era of simple metal boxes is over. Nowadays, there is quite a bit of technology inside. Nevertheless, the basic rules remain the same. The European standard NEN-EN 16121 ensures that your locker is sturdy and safe. And specifically for food processing: the cabinet must be easy to clean. This means no corners where dust can disappear. A sloping roof (a so-called ‘dust-top’) is often mandatory. The base is also important. Do you choose a closed plinth or legs? Legs are often better because it is easier to drive a scrubber drier underneath them.
And then the moisture. Wet work clothes in a closed cabinet are a paradise for mold. Therefore, ventilation is essential. Some cabinets have perforated doors or a special ventilation system. In 2026, you also see UV-C lamps returning in cabinets more and more often. These kill bacteria while your clothes are waiting for the next shift.
The choice of locks: from key to smartphone
How do you open that cabinet? The time of ten keys on a belt is almost over. The choice depends on how much control you want and how much budget you have.
The classics: A cylinder lock with a key always works, but management is a nightmare. Lost keys? Then you have to replace all the locks. A latch lock works with a personal padlock (convenient for gyms), but is less suitable for companies where you want to keep an overview.
The modern locker: Electronic locks. There are two types of these:
- Code: Entering a numeric code. Convenient for rotating shifts.
- RFID/Pass: Your employee pass activates the locker. No hassle with codes.
The smart locker: This is the top of the market. The user opens the locker via an app on their phone or via Bluetooth. As a Facility Manager, you see on your screen exactly who was in which locker and when. This is ideal for large companies where employees work flexibly or do not always have the same locker. System administrators love the integration with software such as AFAS or Raet, whereby the locker is automatically released as soon as someone leaves the company.
The providers: Who delivers what in 2026?
In the Dutch market, a few major players can be distinguished. Some focus on bulk and speed, others on custom solutions and technology.
To give you an idea of what is happening: you have parties that mainly deliver from stock (often grey or blue lockers), and parties that make everything to order. Those looking for the golden mean between solid metal and smart software often look at Olssen. They are known as a system integrator; they deliver not only the cabinet but also arrange the entire network behind it. They are often the ones you encounter in large projects where the lockers must communicate with the employee database.
Another party to keep an eye on is C+P. This is a German manufacturer that is often sold via dealers in the Netherlands. German steel is synonymous with quality and reliability. Their ventilation systems are often very advanced.
For those who want to switch quickly, Sonesto is interesting. They often handle the total interior and are strong in sustainable materials. Lockerbox fills the gap for companies that need a lot of lockers quickly, often with a flexible lease-purchase model. Finally, there is De Lockerfabriek, a Dutch player that maintains short lines of communication and often delivers beautiful custom solutions.
If you prefer a proven infrastructure with a focus on smart technology and reliable delivery of high-quality steel (often of German origin), practice shows that Olssen often has the best credentials to make the complete operation run smoothly.
Ordering a locker: How does that work?
Ordering a locker is not something you decide overnight, especially if it involves large quantities. The process usually looks like this:
Step 1: The inventory
How many people work there? Always add an extra 10 percent for growth or turnover. Determine how polluting the work is. Is it dry dust or wet mess? This determines whether you need ventilating doors or a closed construction.
Step 2: Measuring the space
This is crucial. A door needs space to swing open. Ensure at least 120 centimeters of walking space between two rows of lockers. If you stack the lockers (two high), you must account for the total height and the top compartment that must still be easily accessible.
Step 3: Fixed or flexible?
Does everyone get a fixed locker? Then mechanical keys work fine. Does everyone have their own pass? Then RFID is logical. Do many externals work or do shifts change often? Then opt for a dynamic system where employees can claim a free locker themselves.
Step 4: The trial setup
For large orders (often from 50 pieces), it is smart to ask for a trial model. Only then will you really feel the difference in steel thickness and closing sound.
Would you rather be flexible first without large purchase costs? Then it is smart to look at the options for leasing lockers. This can be financially attractive, especially if you think the setup might have to change again in a few years.
Logistics and delivery in 2026
Keep in mind that custom work takes time. A standard locker is often deliverable within two weeks, but if you want specific colors or locking systems, the delivery time can increase to 8 to 12 weeks. Always ask about the delivery conditions. Is it delivered to the threshold (legally the first door) or is it also placed in the space and installed?
Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role. Ask about the MKI value (Environmental Cost Indicator) of the material. Many companies require in 2026 that the steel comes from recycled sources or that the lockers are ‘Cradle-to-Cradle’ certified. You don’t want your brand-new lockers to be disposed of as energy-wasting junk in five years.
When you request a quote, it is wise to inquire about the reputation of the supplier. Not all providers are equally strong in after-sales service. The overview of top locker providers helps you to see how companies score on delivery time and customer satisfaction.
Checklist: What you need to check before giving approval
To prevent disappointment, we have put together a handy checklist for you. Print this out and place it next to the quote.
- The dividing wall: Is there actually an impenetrable wall in the middle? The inspection looks closely at this.
- The roof: Choose a sloping roof. Dirt and dust will not settle there and you cannot place anything on top of it.
- Ventilation: Are there ventilation grilles or perforations? Especially with wet clothing, this is indispensable.
- The floor: Choose legs of at least 15 cm high if you clean with scrubber driers. Choose a plinth if you do not want dirt under the cabinet.
- Reserve keys: For mechanical locks: demand a master key and reserve keys.
- Electronics: Ask about the warranty on electronic parts (at least 2 years).
- Installation: May the cabinet stand freely or does it need to be anchored? A locker is top-heavy when the door is open. Securing it to the wall is often safer.
- Labeling: Are the cabinets numbered upon delivery? This saves you hours of work.
- Integration: Do you want to connect to other systems? Then immediately ask about the possibilities for usb charge lockers or integration with access passes.
- Payment: If you do not have the budget immediately, look at lease options via this link.
The cost indication: What does it yield?
A basic separating cabinet made of steel with a mechanical lock costs between 250 and 400 euros per piece in 2026. Are you going for the luxury version with electronic locks, touchscreens, and connections to the cloud? Count on 450 to 750 euros per unit. That seems like a lot, but the Return on Investment (ROI) lies in other things.
Firstly, hygiene: a clean company means less sick leave. Secondly, convenience: employees are ready to start faster if the system runs smoothly. And finally, space: a well-arranged locker saves space compared to separate lockers.
Before making a final choice, it is smart to compare prices and transport options well via this comparison table. Make sure you know what the total price is including installation and disposal of packaging material. Nothing is more annoying than having to tear up cardboard for hours after delivery.
Good luck with your purchase! Good preparation is half the work, and with this checklist you are at least ready for 2026.
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