Washing Station
In 2019, Dutch Cups developed a conveyor belt washing station in collaboration with Hobart, the world’s largest manufacturer of dishwashers. This machine meets the highest hygiene standards and guarantees a clean and dry end result. The washing station, equipped with a unique finger mechanism, was the first of its kind in Europe and had a capacity of over 10,000 cups per hour.
In 2023, the washing facility was expanded with two additional washing stations, increasing the total capacity to over 20,000 cups per hour. The facility now has three washing stations: one for crates and baskets and two for cups. Each washing station, measuring 18.5 metres in length, is designed to thoroughly clean reusable cups, plastic packaging and storage crates. With an advanced PLC control system, cleaning programmes can be precisely tailored. Additionally, an intelligent system ensures that lightweight plastic items, such as reusable hard cups, stay securely in place during the washing process. This way, the entire washing process is optimised for maximum capacity and reliability.
Advantages of cleaning
- The most advanced industrial washing stations for reusable cups in Europe
- Largest capacity with over 20,000 reusable cups per hour
- Also suitable for glassware, crates, and baskets
- Cleaning power of 3 to 5 bar across four washing zones
- Guaranteed dry results thanks to five drying zones
- Large and fine particles are filtered separately
- Extremely low water consumption per washed cup
- Half the energy consumption compared to similar washing stations
- Washing facility meets all food safety requirements
- Staff equipped with protective gear for optimal hygiene
- Clean and well-maintained washing and storage areas
- Double quality control conducted by trained staff
Unprecedented cleaning power for glassware and tableware
The washing stations feature four washing zones, each with unmatched cleaning power thanks to variable, adjustable washing pumps with pressures of 3 to 5 bar. Reusable cups are thoroughly pre-washed first (at 50 degrees), then intensively cleaned in two zones (at 60-65 degrees), and finally rinsed (at 85 degrees). The innovative finger system replaces traditional racks, allowing cups to be reached from all angles. With the right temperature settings and optimal dosing of rinse and polishing agents, coarse dirt is efficiently removed, viruses and bacteria are eliminated and mould growth is effectively prevented, especially when cups are delivered promptly.
The five drying and air-blowing zones ensure a perfectly dry result: in the first two zones, water is blown off the cups at high speed, while in the next three zones, cups are heated to 90-100 degrees to evaporate any remaining droplets. Additionally, the washing stations can also fully clean and dry transport crates, with careful attention to all sides. This process efficiently delivers hygienically clean and dry cups and crates, ready for reuse.
Extremely low water consumption
Through micro-filtration systems, both coarse and fine dirt particles are separated outside the washing station, collected in filter tubes and removed from the wash water. This results in significant water savings compared to conventional washing machines. The washing stations use an average of only 35 to 40 ml of water per washed cup. The power required for washing a single cup is exceptionally low, at just 14 watts (0.014 kW). In comparable washing stations, this is typically double.
Precautions in the logistics centre
Our logistics centre in Lelystad, where the washing stations are located, is set up according to HACCP guidelines for food safety. Our staff follows strict hygiene regulations, wearing aprons, hairnets and gloves. Before work in the washing area begins, hand washing and sanitising are mandatory to ensure the highest hygiene standards.
The washing stations are separated from the storage areas by rapid-access doors, creating a hygienic and dust-free environment. After cleaning, the cups are carefully packaged and sealed for shipment.
A trained team conducts a double quality control after the washing process. This check occurs as soon as the cups leave the washing stations, ensuring they meet the highest quality standards before being packaged.
Storage and inventory management of your own purchased cups, whether temporary or not, is possible. For more information, please contact us or call +31 320 28 94 80.
