Nikwax

A globally recognised manufacturer of high-quality cleaning and waterproofing products
developed to prolong life and enhance the performance of clothing, footwear and equipment. Nikwax is known for its pioneering focus on eco-friendly design and sustainability. It remains the first and only outdoor company to carbon balance its operations for forty years straight, and in 1983 the company introduced the Nikwax Water-Based Range (replacing harmful and flammable solvents with water) and became the first company in the world to develop water-based products for restoring waterproofing in the home. The company has never used aerosols and Nikwax was the first outdoor company to use guaranteed PFC-free chemicals in its entire range of products – manufacturing PFC-free waterproof, breathable and directional fabric systems. It was the first outdoor company to be listed in The Sunday Times Green List (2010) and won the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development in 2014.

The company was founded by its exciting Director Nick Brown, and the first commercial product was produced in his North London flat in 1977. The order was mixed using a discarded tea urn, a primus stove, a jug and materials bought from a local hardware store. Once mixed the wax was poured into tins which were silk screened by hand. Nick sold his products to the UK outdoor trade from a second-hand Morris van and later used Inter Rail cards to introduce the product to Europe. To this day, the Nikwax brand is deeply rooted in passion, resilience, patience and commitment to strong beliefs in environmental and ethical values.