Information Density: Nikwax – Signal Evidence & AI Readability

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[H1] Nikwax are world leaders in innovative, PFAS-free clothing and gear systems, creating outstanding materials and aftercare for outdoor explorers, whilst caring for the environment.
We are the only aftercare company to have never used aerosols or fluorocarbons and to have fully balanced out our historical operational carbon emissions by restoring forest in Ecuador.

[H3] Our Product Areas

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[H3] Waterproofing

Care products that extend the life and enhance the performance of waterproof outdoor gear.

Explore the Nikwax range

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[H3] Deodorising

Care products that enhance the performance of next-to-skin sports clothing.

Explore the Nikwax range

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[H3] Directional Textiles

Designed to manage moisture in outdoor clothing more effectively, keeping you warmer and drier.

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[H3] Industrial Solutions

PFAS-Free waterproofing solutions for outdoor and fashion clothing brands and manufacturers, commercial laundries, repair centres and much more.

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[IMG: Uk Downwash 1ltr 460px]
[H2] Down Wash
[H2] Speciality cleaner designed to revitalise the water repellency and insulating properties of down filled gear. Easy to use in your washing machine, non flammable and PFAS free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Txdirect Washin 1ltr 460px]
[H2] TX.Direct® Wash-In
[H2] The high performance waterproofer designed to enhance performance and revitalise the breathability of waterproof clothing. Easy to use in your washing machine or by hand, non flammable and PFAS free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Techwash 1ltr 460px]
[H2] Tech Wash®
[H2] Market leading cleaner designed to revitalise water repellency and breathability of waterproof gear. Easy to use in your washing machine or by hand.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

[H3] Featured Products
All Nikwax aftercare products are easy to use, safe for you and the environment, and will ensure you stay dry and comfortable whatever the weather.
Our products are water-based, PFAS-free, non-flammable and have never contained any harmful aerosols or fluorocarbons.

Explore the Nikwax range

[H3] How to use Nikwax
Learn how to clean, waterproof and condition all your outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment.
Watch our collection of ‘how-to’ videos which show how you can easily keep your gear performing better for longer. Nikwax products keep you warm, dry and comfortable – and save you money!

View all how-to guides

Improve the performance of your baselayers with Nikwax Deodorising®

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Revitalise your wet weather gear in your washing machine with Down Wash Direct and Down Proof

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[H1] How Nikwax works
Nikwax have developed easy-to-use, highly effective and long-lasting after-care treatments for all weatherproof fabrics. The treatments contain elastic water-repellent polymers that bond to fabric fibres, leaving the spaces between open and breathable. They stretch and move with the fabric so they work better and last longer. Nikwax will not change the look or feel of the fabric, it will just protect and prolong its useable life. The treatments are water-based, environmentally safe and non-flammable. Ideal for all types of outdoor equipment and accessories.

[H4] Quick links

Introduction

Green for clean, purple for proofing

The easy waterproof test

Garment Care

Footwear Care

Equipment Care

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To minimize contact with a Nikwax treated material, water beads up.

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When force is applied, such as rain hitting the surface, water droplets distort but won’t enter the fabric.

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Water resists contact with the water-repellent fibres and moves back to the surface.

[H3] What’s in Nikwax and how does it work?
Many years ago, Nick Brown the inventor of Nikwax, developed and patented the Nikwax TX.10i water-repellent elastomer. The TX.10i elastomer was based on EVA, the same material found in the flexible soles of footwear. The patent also involved altering the molecular structure of mineral wax which is typically brittle. This strengthens the molecule making it very elastic and resilient. This TX.10i polymer was the primary active ingredient in all Nikwax footwear and fabric treatments.
Nikwax treatments coat fabric and leather fibres with a network of elastic TX.10i water-repellent molecules. They bond to anything that is not water-repellent, but leave the spaces between fibres open and breathable. Nikwax treatments can flex and move with the fabric and leather fibres. That is why Nikwax treatments can withstand several washings and remain whereas the competitors must be re-applied after each wash.
In 2004-5, Nikwax introduced a new and improved active elastomer. The culmination of several years research, these new class of formulations bring better value for money due to increased number of doses from one bottle and an even more durable finish. Unlike fluorocarbon products, you do not need to heat garment to activate the waterproofing treatment. This new class of formulations is being carried across the range, so watch out for even greater performance from Nikwax in the future.
Unique to Nikwax, it is the technology that keeps you drier in the outdoors.
[H3] What’s all this talk about a two-stage treatment?
The Nikwax two-stage treatment is the cleaning and re-proofing sequence which will restore the original performance of manufacturer’s clothing, footwear or equipment. You can tell which of our products are for cleaning and which are for waterproofing by the colour of our bottle caps – ‘green for clean’ and ‘purple for proof’.

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[H3] Green for Clean
Whether it’s clothing, footwear or equipment, the first stage of the Nikwax process must always be to clean.
This removes contaminants, dirt and everyday grime that masks the water-repellent coatings on waterproof items. All water repellent finishes work at their best if the garments are kept clean.
Our spray-on and wash-in cleaners for clothing and equipment will safely remove any detergent residues ingrained in the fabric that would encourage wetting-out, ie. where water isn’t repelled from the fabric but absorbed into the fibres.
Our sponge-on cleaner for footwear effectively releases stains and grime from all types of footwear (fashion, leisure or sport) and will revitalise the appearance of soiled uppers, without stripping out the existing water-repellency. Ground in dirt rubs against the fibres of the leather / fabric and will eventually weaken them. Regular cleaning prevents damage.
You should always use our ‘green for clean’ products before applying the appropriate Nikwax ‘purple for proofer’ products.

[H3] Purple for Proofing
Whether it’s clothing, footwear or equipment, the second stage of the process must always be to waterproof.
Using any one of our waterproofing products will ensure a durable, long-lasting effect against rain, keeping you, your feet or your equipment dry in wet weather.
Using Nikwax will maintain the breathable performance of gear, preventing moisture build-up on the inside of gear allowing it to be pushed from the inside out, keeping your body at the right temperature. At the same time Nikwax repels rain from the outer surface, keeping you dry from both directions.
Our sponge-on and spray-on waterproofers for footwear can be used on fashion, leisure or sport boots and shoes and will add water-repellency to all types of leather and textiles.
Once you waterproof an item with a Nikwax proofer, you should always maintain its waterproofing performance by cleaning regularly with an appropriate Nikwax cleaning solution (for clothing and footwear).

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[IMG: Uk Techwash Txdirect Twinpack 300ml 460px]
[H2] Tech Wash® & TX.Direct® Wash-in
[H2] The complete care system for thoroughly cleaning, enhancing water repellency, and revitalising the breathability of wet weather clothing. Easy to use in your washing machine and by hand, non-flammable and PFAS free.
View Product
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Techwash 1ltr 460px]
[H2] Tech Wash®
[H2] Market leading cleaner designed to revitalise water repellency and breathability of waterproof gear. Easy to use in your washing machine or by hand.
View Product
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Txdirect Washin 1ltr 460px]
[H2] TX.Direct® Wash-In
[H2] The high performance waterproofer designed to enhance performance and revitalise the breathability of waterproof clothing. Easy to use in your washing machine or by hand, non flammable and PFAS free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Stain Scrub 125ml 460px]
[H2] Stain Scrub
[H2] A scrub on pre-wash treatment for waterproof and insulated clothing and gear. Designed to be used with Nikwax cleaning and proofing products.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] Tech Wash & TX.Direct Spray On
[H2] The complete care system for thoroughly cleaning, enhancing water repellency, and revitalising the breathability of wet weather clothing. Easy to use in your washing machine and by hand, non-flammable and PFAS free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Txdirect Sprayon 500ml 460px]
[H2] TX.Direct® Spray-On
[H2] The high performance waterproofer designed to enhance performance and revitalise the breathability of waterproof clothing with wicking liners. Easy to apply by hand, non flammable, PFC and aerosol free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] Footwear Cleaning Gel and Fabric & Leather Proof
[H2] The complete care system for thoroughly cleaning, revitalising breathability and adding water repellency to all combination fabric and leather footwear. Easy to apply and PFAS-free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] Nubuck & Suede Proof
[H2] High performance waterproofer designed to maintain texture and breathability of nubuck and suede footwear. Easy to apply by hand, non flammable and PFC free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] Fabric & Leather Proof
[H2] High performance waterproofer designed to revitalize breathability of all combination fabric and leather footwear. Easy to apply by hand, non flammable and PFAS free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Downwash 1ltr 460px]
[H2] Down Wash
[H2] Speciality cleaner designed to revitalise the water repellency and insulating properties of down filled gear. Easy to use in your washing machine, non flammable and PFAS free.
View Product
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Downproof 300ml 460px]
[H2] Down Proof
[H2] Specialty waterproofer designed to protect the insulating properties of down-filled gear from wet and damp conditions. Easy to use in the washing machine or by hand, non flammable and PFAS free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] Tent & Gear SolarWash®
[H2] The only cleaner designed to protect against UV damage and revitalise water repellency of all weatherproof textiles. Easy to apply by hand, non flammable, PFC and aerosol free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Solarproof Sprayon 2point5ltr Spray Head 1080px]
[H2] Tent & Gear SolarProof®
[H2] Specialist waterproofer designed to protect against UV damage and enhance water repellency of all weatherproof textiles. Easy to apply by hand, non flammable, PFC and aerosol free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Solarproof Concentrate 1ltr 460px]
[H2] Concentrated Tent & Gear SolarProof®
[H2] The only waterproofer designed to protect against UV damage and enhance water repellency of all weatherproof textiles. Easy to apply by hand, non flammable, PFC and aerosol free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Sportsrefresh 1ltr 460px]
[H2] Sports Refresh
[H2] Powerful deodorising cleaner designed to eliminate odours and help prevent odour build-up in sports and fitness clothing.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] Wetsuit Refresh
[H2] Powerful non-biological cleaner for wetsuits, and neoprene items. Deodorises and extends the life of your wetsuit by cleaning away salt, chlorine and organic residue and leaving it soft and supple.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Footwearrefresh 125ml 460px]
[H2] Footwear Refresh
[H2] Powerful deodorising cleaner designed to freshen and prevent odour build-up in all non-waterproof footwear, insoles, and sandals.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] Footwear Cleaning Gel
[H2] Speciality cleaner designed to revitalise water repellency and breathability of all waterproof footwear. Easy to apply by hand, non flammable and PFAS-free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] Waterproofing Wax for Leather
[H2] Instant waterproofing, designed to revitalise breathability and maintain suppleness of all smooth leather items. Easy to apply by hand, non flammable, PFC and aerosol free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] Conditioner for Leather
[H2] High performance waterproofing conditioner designed to add suppleness and soften smooth leather footwear, clothing and accessories. Easy to apply by hand, non flammable, PFC and aerosol free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Basewash 300ml 460px]
[H2] BaseWash®
[H2] Speciality cleaner and conditioner designed to deodorise and enhance the wicking and drying performance of technical base layers. Easy to use in your washing machine.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] BaseFresh®
[H2] The only conditioner designed to deodorise and enhance the wicking and drying performance of technical base layers. Easy to use in the washing machine with your regular detergent.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Woolwash 1ltr 460px]
[H2] Wool Wash
[H2] Speciality cleaner and conditioner designed to deodorise and enhance the wicking and drying performance of woollen items. Easy to use in your washing machine.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] PolarProof®
[H2] The only waterproofer designed to protect and enhance the properties of synthetic insulating gear. Easy to use in your washing machine or by hand, non flammable and PFC free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Cottonproof 300ml 460px]
[H2] Cotton Proof
[H2] High performance waterproofer designed to enhance the performance of wet weather cotton and polycotton items. Easy to use in the washing machine or by hand, non flammable and PFAS free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] Wax Cotton Proof
[H2] Speciality waterproofer designed to add durable water repellency and restore the finish of waxed cotton garments. Easy to apply by hand, non flammable, PFC and aerosol free
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Leathercleaner Sprayon 300ml 460px]
[H2] Leather Cleaner
[H2] Speciality cleaner designed to revitalize water repellency and breathability of leather items. Easy to apply by hand, non flammable, PFC and aerosol free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Leatherrestorer Sprayon 300ml 460px]
[H2] Leather Restorer
[H2] High performance waterproofing conditioner designed to add suppleness and soften smooth leather clothing and accessories. Easy to apply by hand, non-flammable, PFAS and aerosol free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Softshellproof Sprayon 300ml 460px]
[H2] Softshell Proof Spray-On
[H2] High performance waterproofer designed to enhance performance and revitalize breathability of softshell garments. Easy to apply by hand, non flammable, PFC and aerosol free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Softshellproof 300ml 460px]
[H2] Softshell Proof Wash-In
[H2] High performance waterproofer designed to enhance performance and revitalize breathability of softshell garments. Easy to use in your washing machine, non flammable and PFAS free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Rugproof 1ltr 460px]
[H2] Rug Proof
[H2] High performance waterproofer designed to revitalise insulation and breathability for all animal coats and rugs. Easy to use in a washing machine, non flammable and PFC free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Rugwash 1ltr 460px]
[H2] Rug Wash
[H2] Speciality cleaner designed to revitalise water repellency and breathability for all horse blankets and pet beds. Easy to use in a washing machine, or by hand, non flammable and PFC free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Skiskinproof 125ml 460px]
[H2] Ski Skin Proof
[H2] High performance waterproofer designed to prevent ice build-up on fibers and saturation on all ski skins. Easy to use, non flammable and PFC free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Visorproof 125ml 460px]
[H2] Visor Proof
[H2] High peformance rain repellent designed to enhance clear vision for all visors and goggles. Easy to apply by hand, non flammable, PFC and aerosol free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
[IMG: Uk Gloveproof 125ml 460px]
[H2] Glove Proof
[H2] High performance waterproofer designed to maintain grip and breathability of fabric and leather gloves. Easy to apply by hand, non-flammable and PFAS-free.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] Nikwax Camping Kit
[H2] The camping care kit designed to waterproof and extend the life of your tent. Easy to apply at home or away, non-flammable and PFAS-free. Includes a classic roll-top waterproof dry bag perfect for any trip, with a useful 10L capacity. Includes a handy 10L roll-top waterproof dry bag and two microfibre cloths.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] Nikwax Hiking Kit
[H2] The complete care system for thoroughly cleaning, revitalising breathability and adding water repellency to all combination fabric and leather footwear. Easy to apply and PFAS-free. Includes a handy roll-top waterproof dry bag with a useful 10L capacity.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] Nikwax Outdoor Complete Protection Kit
[H2] The only kit for thoroughly cleaning, re-waterproofing, and revitalising the breathability of wet weather clothing and footwear. Easy to use in your washing machine and by hand, non-flammable and PFC free. Includes a handy 10L roll-top waterproof dry bag and Nikwax Footwear Brush .
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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[H2] Nikwax Outdoor Protection Kit
[H2] The best performing system for thoroughly cleaning, enhancing water repellency, and revitalising the breathability of wet weather clothing. Easy to use in your washing machine and by hand, non-flammable and PFC free. Includes a handy roll-top waterproof dry bag with a useful 10L capacity.
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This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

[IMG: Nikwax Couple Walking Waterproof Jackets 1920]

[H1] Who We Are

Nikwax is the global leader in PFAS-free aftercare and industrial treatments for outdoor clothing and gear. We are the only aftercare company to have never used aerosols or fluorocarbons in our products, and to have fully balanced out our historical operational carbon emissions.
Our story began in 1977 when Nick Brown, an avid walker, grew frustrated with waterproofing products that softened the leather of his walking boots, affecting their structural support. Fuelled by a passion for the outdoors and a desire for better gear care, Nick invented the first Nikwax product. This innovative solution not only preserved the waterproofness of his boots but also kept the materials strong and intact.
In 2022, after 45 years of dedicated leadership, Nick transitioned Nikwax to an Employee Ownership Trust, marking a new chapter in our journey. Today, as a thriving employee-owned business, we continue to innovate in the development and production of sustainable outdoor gear care. Our commitment to protecting the environment is at the core of everything we do, from how we formulate our products to our operational practices and our partnerships with conservation charities.

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