Brand Spotlight: Nikwax – 40 Years of Firsts

In 1977 the first Nikwax product was created by Nick Brown in his North London flat. It was a waterproofing wax that he developed for his own leather hiking boots, and it marked the beginning of one of the best gear treatment companies on the planet.

From the very beginning Nick focussed on creating a product that had minimal impact on the environment, and as a result Nikwax are the first and only outdoor company to have carbon balanced their operations for their entire existence. Seriously impressive.

40 years of firsts for Nikwax

Their list of firsts don’t end there. Amongst other impressive feats and accolades that Nikwax have achieved over the last 40 years, Nikwax is also:

• The first company to create a washing machine compatible, water-based, waterproofing treatment for clothing.
• The first and only outdoor company to win the British Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development.
• The first and only company to produce a tent cleaner that preserves the fabric as well as adding UV protection.
• The first company to create water-based treatments for clothing and gear, thus preventing the release of thousands of tons of pollutants into the atmosphere.

And now, in 2017, Nikwax is celebrating 40 years of exceptional products supported by an incredible and unprecedented approach to environmental sustainability in the outdoor industry.

More than just waterproofing

But it’s not just their focus in the creation of sustainable products that Nikwax work so hard to achieve. They are also dedicated to creating nothing but the best products that preserve the life of outdoor gear ensuring that it will go those extra miles. And just like the gear they are doing so well at protecting and preserving, Nikwax is constantly going the extra mile with continued product improvements that offer more than just a waterproofing treatment. Their philosophy reaches much deeper than that. Founder Nick Brown states that:

We have always tried to do “more than just waterproofing”. Our product design looks at the whole life of outdoor gear and takes into account the environmental impact and the wear and tear that items receive, and seeks to make them more durable. We want to give gear more useful life and save money and protect the atmosphere.

Nikwax products

As the global leader in environmentally safe treatments for gear and clothing Nikwax sure know a thing or two about taking care of the earth, as well as your stuff:

• Nikwax products are all fluorochemical-free
• Nikwax use advanced elastomer technology
• Nikwax products are not tested on animals
• Nikwax products are non-persistent in the environment
• Nikwax is the only major aftercare company to have never used aerosols or fluorocarbons

Their “more just waterproofing” moto means that their product range is also as wide as their environmental impact with a huge range of exceptional products that protect your clothing and gear as much as our wonderful world:

• Tech Wash

  What is it? Wash-in cleaner for waterproof textiles
  What does it do? Cleans safely and revitalises breathability and water repellency

• TX. Direct

  What is it? Waterproofing for wet weather clothing
  What does it do? Adds water repellency and revives breathability

• Down Wash

  What is it? Cleaner for hydrophobic and regular down gear
  What does it do? Cleans effectively, revitalises insulation and restores water repellency

• Down Proof

  What is it? Wash-in waterproofing for down filled gear
  What does it do? Adds water repellency and revives insulation and breathability

• BaseFresh

  What is it? Deodorising conditioner for technical base layers
  What does it do? Deodorises, softens and accelerates drying

• Tent and Gear Solarproof

  What is it? Waterproofing and UV blocker for all synthetic weatherproof textiles
  What does it do? Adds water repellency, increases fabric strength and protects against UV deterioration

• Waterproofing Wax for Leather

  What is it? High performance liquid for smooth leather
  What does it do? Waterproofs, and maintains support and breathability

• Polar Proof

  What is it? Wash-in waterproofing for all fleece items
  What does it do? Adds water repellency, and maintains breathability and insulation

• Cotton Proof

  What is it? Wash-in waterproofing for cotton, polycotton and canvas
  What does it do? Adds water repellency and revives breathability

• Wool Wash

  What is it? Wash-in cleaner for woolen base layers and socks
  What does it do? Cleans safely, softens, enhances wicking, freshens wool and accelerates drying

• Visor Proof

  What is it? Spray-on rain repellent
  What does it do? Enhances clear vision by shedding water

• Soft Shell Proof

  What is it? Wash-in waterproofing for soft shell clothing
  What does it do? Adds water repellency and revives breathability

So if you’re looking for a reliable way to protect and preserve your outdoor gear and clothing then there is no better company to put your trust in than 40 year old Nikwax.

Happy 40th Nikwax!