Nikwax and the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) are joining forces to defend Europe’s freshwater ecosystems at a critical moment. Together, we’re using our collective voice to protect the rivers, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater that sustain the outdoors we love – and the communities, wildlife, and industries that depend on them.
Freshwater shapes the landscapes we explore, supports the biodiversity we cherish, and underpins everything from drinking water and agriculture to energy production and the products we use every day. But right now, these vital ecosystems are in trouble – and our partnership is taking action.
What are freshwater ecosystems, and why should we care?
Freshwater ecosystems include rivers, lakes, wetlands, and the underground waters that feed them. They provide clean water, stable soils, thriving habitats, and an extraordinary degree of biodiversity. Yet they’re under increasing pressure. Across Europe:
• Only 40% of rivers were in good ecological health in 2021
• Global freshwater species have declined by 84% in just 50 years
• PFAS “forever chemicals” are present at more than 70% of monitored EU groundwater sites
These trends are alarming – and the laws designed to protect water are currently at risk.
© Andres Dallimonti, Unsplash
How freshwater is protected today
The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) is the cornerstone of water protection in Europe. It requires Member States to restore and protect water bodies and prevent deterioration. It is one of the world’s strongest water-protection laws.
Now, some industry groups and governments are pushing to weaken it.
What’s at stake?
Proposals under discussion would:
• Make it easier to grant exemptions that allow water quality to deteriorate
• Reopen and possibly rewrite the WFD’s core protections
• Undermine decades of progress in European environmental law
With freshwater already stressed by pollution, climate change, over-extraction, and hydropower development, weakening regulations could cause severe, long-lasting damage.
Why this matters beyond the EU – including in the UK
When the EU strengthens environmental standards, the impact extends far beyond its borders. Strong freshwater protections:
• Encourage safer manufacturing
• Drive innovation in clean chemistry
• Reduce harmful chemicals in products sold worldwide
• Influence UK environmental policy, which frequently aligns with EU rules
Why Nikwax is involved – and why EOCA is the perfect partner
For over 45 years, Nikwax has championed safer, cleaner chemistry, proving that outdoor products can perform without damaging the nature they’re designed for. We have never used PFAS and have long advocated for responsible chemical management.
EOCA shares this commitment. As a leading voice for environmental protection in the outdoor sector, EOCA is uniquely positioned to coordinate meaningful industry action.
That’s why Nikwax and EOCA are standing together to defend strong freshwater protections and push for policies that put nature first.
“At Nikwax Ltd, we’ve shown that PFAS aren’t necessary for performance – innovation is.
This is exactly why we need strong legislation that keeps driving the transition away from PFAS and supports companies doing the work to find better solutions.” Jon Nash, Nikwax Chief Operating Officer
How are Nikwax and EOCA taking action?
By sharing our story
We worked with EOCA to devise an opinion piece showcasing how safer chemistry is not only possible but commercially successful – and why strong water protections matter. This piece was shared on LinkedIn and with political media.
“If your business depends on people enjoying the outdoors, then protecting it has to be part of what you do. It is simply the right way to do business.” Jon Nash, Nikwax Chief Operating Officer
By taking the message to Brussels
Nikwax, EOCA and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) met with members of the European Commission in Brussels on 27th November to discuss threats to the WFD and demonstrate that responsible businesses want – and can thrive under – robust environmental regulation.
By staying vocal as decisions approach
The EU debated the future of the Water Framework Directive on 3 December.
Nikwax continued to communicate openly, amplify EOCA’s guidance, and stand firmly against deregulation.
What next?
• Our joint opinion piece was published w/c 17 November 2025. Read it here
• We provided updates following the WWF meetings
• Nikwax and EOCA will continue to champion cleaner chemistry and stronger freshwater protections – because safeguarding nature is at the heart of who we are.
