Made with purpose: why sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Nikwax
At Nikwax, we believe that caring for your outdoor gear should be simple, safe, and sustainable. From the moment we were founded in 1977, our goal has been to create products that perform brilliantly outdoors – without compromising the environment those adventures depend on.
That belief still drives everything we do today. From how we formulate our products, to how we manufacture them, to how we act on climate change, we’re committed to putting performance, people, and planet first.
What makes Nikwax unique? The Nikwax difference
We make every single Nikwax product ourselves – from formulation through to manufacturing and filling. We don’t outsource. We don’t rebottle someone else’s chemistry. This means we have complete control over quality, performance, and traceability.
For you, this translates to:
- Consistent, trusted performance
- Products you can rely on, time after time
- Full transparency about what goes into every bottle
Innovation isn’t an afterthought for us – it’s built into every product we make.
Clean chemistry you can trust
We believe great performance should never come at the expense of your health or the environment. That’s why our products are water-based, non-aerosol, and completely free from harmful PFAS chemicals – often referred to as “forever chemicals”.
These chemicals don’t break down in nature and have been linked to serious environmental and health concerns. We have never used them, and we never will. By eliminating PFAS entirely, we’re setting a higher standard for chemical management and proving that effective outdoor aftercare doesn’t require toxic shortcuts.
Our approach to chemistry is carefully managed, audited, and transparent – so you can trust what you’re using on the gear that takes you outside.
© Logon Voss, Unsplash
Helping your gear last longer – and go further
Looking after the planet isn’t just about buying less. It’s also about helping the things you already own last longer.
Our cleaning and waterproofing products are designed to restore performance and extend the life of outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment. By helping people repair, reproof, and care for their gear, we reduce the need for replacements and keep valuable materials in use for longer.
This circular approach is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce waste – and it starts at home. It is an adage that the most sustainable gear is the gear you already own.
Taking action on climate – not just talking about it
Climate action is built into how we design our products and how we run our business.
For example, Nikwax products don’t require tumble drying to activate performance. That saves energy at home and helps lower everyday carbon emissions.
Behind the scenes, we’re also:
- Developing products that actively reduce CO₂ emissions
- Achieving over a 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions for our Down Wash product
- Working to decarbonise our raw materials
- Using renewable electricity and sending zero waste to landfill
- Committing to a Net Zero future by 2040
As we continue to innovate, reducing environmental impact remains a core part of every decision we make.
Protecting the outdoors we all depend on
Caring for gear is only part of the picture. We also believe in protecting the places that inspire us to get outside in the first place.
That’s why we support conservation initiatives through long-term partnerships with organisations such as the European Outdoor Conservation Association and the World Land Trust. Through these partnerships, we help protect habitats, biodiversity, and wildlife around the world.
Because taking care of the outdoors starts with taking responsibility for how we protect it.
Performance with a conscience
Choosing Nikwax means choosing products that work hard for your gear – while working responsibly for people and the planet. All our operational carbon emissions are balanced, and 1% of our turnover is pledged to social and environmental causes.
From making every product ourselves, to eliminating harmful chemicals, to taking meaningful climate action, we’re proving that trusted performance and sustainability can – and should – go hand in hand.
With Nikwax, you don’t just care for your gear. You care for our future too.
