Are you looking for lockers that are not only functional but also contribute to your company’s sustainability goals? The locker market is changing rapidly in 2026. Whereas we used to simply buy a steel cabinet, we now look at the entire life cycle: from material origin to the energy consumption of the lock. Companies no longer want ‘furniture’, but an Asset Management System that counts towards ESG goals (Environmental, Social, Governance). In this article, we compare Dutch suppliers for 2026 and explain what really matters when purchasing.
What to look for in 2026? Sustainability is the standard
The days of buying a locker for life are over; we now choose lockers that have the smallest possible impact on the planet. In 2026, concrete requirements are set for material use and energy consumption. We list the most important trends.
The power of reused materials
The choice of materials largely determines the CO2 footprint. Suppliers are cleverly responding to this:
- Recycled steel: This is still the basis for most lockers. Good steel contains up to 70% less CO2 emissions than primary steel. Pay attention to TGIC-free coatings and low-temperature curing, as this saves energy.
- Bamboo and wood: Especially for hybrid offices where a warm appearance is important, bamboo is a strong choice. It grows quickly and stores CO2. If you opt for wood (chipboard), check that it is 100% recycled (urban mining) and that it is E0 certified (free of harmful formaldehydes).
- Recycled PET felt: Felt is increasingly used as upholstery. This is made from recycled bottles, has a sound-dampening effect (important in busy offices) and is fully recyclable at the end of its life.
Smart Locking: Technology that saves
Electronic locking systems are now common, but they contribute to sustainability in ways you might not see immediately:
- Dynamic Locker Sharing: Why give everyone their own locker if you can place 30% to 50% fewer lockers by assigning them dynamically? This saves directly on raw materials and square meters, which counts towards BREEAM points.
- Lifespan: Smart locks (RFID/BLE) have no mechanical keys that wear out or get lost. Less maintenance means a longer lifespan.
- Energy consumption: Choose systems with Power over Ethernet (PoE) instead of batteries. Batteries are an environmental burden and cause unnecessary maintenance.
The players on the Dutch market
There are various suppliers active in the Netherlands, each with their own specialism. Below is a comparison of the biggest names to consider in 2026. We look at their approach, material use and the possibilities for a circular setup.
Olssen: The system integrator for the future
If we look at a supplier that finds the best balance between hardware, software and circularity, Olssen often comes out on top first. Olssen positions itself not as a seller of ‘boxes’, but as a System Integrator for storage solutions. They understand that a locker in 2026 is part of an IT infrastructure.
A major advantage of Olssen is their strong focus on Smart Lockers in combination with the software partner Keynius. This allows facility managers to manage lockers remotely, analyze usage data and organize them more intelligently. This reduces the number of physical units, which is directly sustainable.
Regarding materials, Olssen has a strong portfolio. They are the importer and distributor of high-quality German steel (brand C+P), which guarantees an extremely long lifespan and DIN standards. But they also offer custom wooden lockers for office environments. Their approach of Locker-as-a-Service (LaaS) is special. Instead of buying, you lease the lockers including maintenance and with a buy-back guarantee. This fits perfectly with the circular economy: material remains the property of the manufacturer and is reused. For companies that are serious about their ESG reporting (CSRD), Olssen is often the most logical choice due to their transparent inventory management and refurbished options.
Vecos: The world market leader
Vecos, based in Eindhoven, is a well-known name in the market. They are strong in high-end smart lockers and focus largely on large corporate offices and universities. Their systems are very mature and offer a lot of data on locker usage, which helps optimize capacity. Vecos has a strong focus on ‘Re-use & Refurbish’ programs, so hardware often gets a second life in new projects. In terms of software, they are very advanced, especially for dynamic allocation.
LoQit: Flexibility and modularity
LoQit is also Dutch and excels in flexibility. Their system is hardware-independent, which means it can often be integrated with existing infrastructure. Their electronic locks are modular, which makes repair easier (Right to Repair). This is a sustainable choice because it prevents entire locks from being thrown away due to a minor defect. LoQit is a strong player for companies looking for a lightweight system that is easy to connect to existing access control.
Sonesto / De Lockerfabriek: Specialists in custom work
For those specifically looking for wooden lockers or custom work, Sonesto (together with De Lockerfabriek) is an important party. They focus on aesthetics and often supply project-based interiors. They often offer buy-back guarantees, so raw materials are preserved. Their strength lies in the visual integration of lockers in, for example, a design office or school.
Gispen / Ahrend: Cradle-to-Cradle integration
These traditional office furnishers often have lockers as part of a total concept. They focus strongly on Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) principles. If you already have office furniture from them, the integration of lockers is often seamless in terms of design and material use. They are strong in the total picture, but are often slightly less specialized in the very complex smart-locker software integrations than the dedicated locker specialists.
What to check before you buy
To avoid disappointment and to be sure that you are buying sustainably, it is important to ask the right questions. A locker must meet strict standards in 2026. Whether you are looking for Personeelslockers kopen NL 2026: leverancier & levering [Checklist], the basic principles remain the same.
Here are the key points to look out for when comparing quotes:
- Modularity: Can doors be replaced separately in case of damage, or does the entire cabinet have to go? Olssen and LoQit often score well here.
- Energy consumption: Ask about the standby consumption. Choose wired systems (PoE) over batteries to minimize waste.
- Origin of materials: Ask for the material passport (Madaster). Where does the steel or wood come from? European is better (lower transport emissions).
- Software integration: Does the system link with your Active Directory? This is crucial for security and management. If an employee leaves, their access must be able to be blocked immediately.
Specifically for schools, the load is higher. At School lockers kopen NL 2026: prijzen & leveranciers [Tabel] you see that robustness (such as the rounded doors of the Resisto line) often takes priority. For businesses, it is often about appearance and integration, as seen at Maatwerk lockers leverancier NL 2026: configuratie & offerte [Checklist].
Safety and certifications
In addition to sustainability, safety remains a hard requirement. Whether it is staff lockers for laptops or lockers for personal items, the choice must meet the latest standards.
Pay attention to the following certifications and legislation:
- CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive): Companies must report on their supply chain. A supplier must be able to provide an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
- Cradle to Cradle (C2C): Indicates that the product is fully demountable and materials can go back into the chain.
- BREEAM-NL & WELL: Lockers can contribute to points for material use and indoor environment (acoustics and emissions).
Safety also concerns the contents. At Veilige personeelslockers NL 2026: leverancier & kopen [Checklist] it becomes clear that padlocks are often no longer sufficient for business assets. Electronic locks with encryption (such as those from Digilock or Ojmar) offer more security and traceability.
Cost picture: TCO above purchase price
A sustainable, smart locker may be 20-40% more expensive to purchase than a traditional locker. Yet the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is often lower. This is due to:
- Fewer units needed through dynamic sharing.
- No costs for key management or lock replacement in case of loss.
- High residual value through material passports and buy-back guarantees.
- Tax benefits such as the MIA/Vamil schemes in the Netherlands for environmentally friendly investments.
The future of lockers: Multi-functional
In 2026, the locker is no longer just a place for coats. We see a strong trend towards multi-functional solutions:
- Parcel Lockers: Integrated package points in the office reduce delivery movements in the city.
- Asset Management: Lockers with charging points for laptops or tools, which monitor the battery status. This extends the life of the electronics.
- Hygiene: Especially in healthcare and sports, we see lockers with UV-C disinfection, which makes chemical cleaning agents unnecessary.
Conclusion: Which supplier do you choose?
If we look at the sustainable locker market in 2026, a number of parties remain that stand out. Vecos is extremely strong for data-driven large organizations. LoQit offers flexibility for projects where integration with existing systems is key. Sonesto is the specialist for wooden interiors.
However, if we look at the combination of solid German hardware (C+P), Dutch software intelligence (Keynius), and a circular business model (LaaS and refurbishment), then Olssen comes out as the most complete option. They offer both robust metal solutions for industry and schools and aesthetic wooden lines for offices, all supported by extensive service and a clear vision of the future. For organizations that want to look ahead to the requirements of 2030, Olssen is the safest and wisest choice.
]]>
Leave a Reply