Nikwax

Nikwax – British waterproofing without fluorocarbons since 1977

Nikwax was founded in 1977 by Nick Brown in a flat in North London. At the age of 22, he mixed his first batch of waterproofing in a barrel using a primus stove and materials bought from a local hardware shop. Brown was himself a passionate hillwalker and had been looking for a product that could waterproof walking boots without softening the leather – the solution became known as "Nicks wax". The company is today based in Wadhurst, England, and in 2022 was transferred to an Employee Ownership Trust, making the employees the owners.

Water-based technology and PFAS-free

In 1983, Nikwax developed the world's first water-based waterproofing products for home use – without flammable solvents or aerosols. The range includes TX.Direct Wash-In and Spray-On for shell garments, Tech Wash for washing membranes, Down Wash and Down Proof for down jackets and sleeping bags, as well as specialist products for nubuck, suede, smooth leather and fleece. All products are PFC/PFAS-free, non-flammable and aerosol-free.

Carbon balancing and environmental work

Nikwax is the only care product company that has never used aerosols or fluorocarbons – and the company has fully offset its historical CO₂ emissions through forest restoration in Ecuador. The winner of the Queen's Award for Sustainable Development offers products that let you maintain your outdoor equipment at home, without harming the environment. A natural choice for those who want shell jackets, walking boots, tents and down jackets to last longer – with care products that have led the industry for nearly 50 years.