UK Recycle Week – restore, renew, re-use, recycle
Recycle Week runs from 16th – 22nd October this year and is Recycle Now’s flagship annual event, which is a celebration of recycling across the UK. It is the one week of the year when retailers, brands, waste management companies, trade associations, governments and the media come together to achieve one goal: to galvanise the […]
Volunteer for a beach clean to help make a difference
Did you know beach cleans not only help clear up our coastline, but they also help organisations, such as the Marine Conservation Society, gather data that helps track litter back to source, and campaign for change? Our Nikwax Sustainability Manager, Georgie Mcloughlin, lives on the East Sussex coast and is actively involved in her local […]
Introduction to PFCs
Nikwax is committed to maximising enjoyment of the great outdoors with minimal environmental impact, which is why we have never used harmful chemicals in our water-based products. Since we were founded by Nick Brown in 1977, we have always championed a culture of transparency and public scrutiny around PFCs – long before they were on […]
Why we need to keep global temperature increases within 1.5°C.
In last month’s blog we covered some of the basic principles around climate change and what causes global warming. Today, we hear a lot about keeping global temperature increases within 1.5°C, and so, in this blog we are looking at the significance of 1.5°C, why we started talking about it, and why it’s so important. […]
What is Climate Change?
Nikwax has championed environmental action since the brand’s inception in 1977. Our founder, Nick Brown, committed from day one to the production of high performance, low impact waterproofing products – decades before the terms ‘global warming’ and ‘carbon footprint’ became part of the public discussion. 46 years on, Nikwax is globally respected for its environmentally […]
Rewild your outdoor space
At Nikwax, we do more than just providing care products to keep you dry and comfortable in the great outdoors all year round…Behind the scenes we also help care for, and preserve, the natural environment we know and love. Over half our species are in decline in Britain and only 2.5% of our land is […]
Plastic – An Environmental Perspective
Interview with Sustainability Director, Maïté Angleys Why is it so difficult to say one material is more sustainable than the other?The environmental impact associated with all the stages of a product’s life are assessed with a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The problem is that you have to compare very specific scenarios in which a material […]
Leading brand in PFC-free aftercare products – NIKWAX – launches its Sustainability Roadmap 2025
We are excited to share the findings of our first sustainability report. Here we provide an insight into some of the 20 projects we have committed to throughout the business, to help achieve our sustainability goals by 2025. As the leading brand in PFC-free aftercare products, here at Nikwax, we strongly believe that we have […]
The climate emergency is here, what can we do to make a difference?
There is no getting away from it, we are in the grip of serious climate change and urgent action is required from each one of us to avoid irreversible environmental damage. With the latest warning signs – extreme weather conditions – dominating global news, the forthcoming 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will […]
Interview: we talk environment, sustainability and lockdown, with Nikwax’s Sustainability Director
Here at Nikwax, our passion for the great outdoors and protection of the environment is at the heart of what we do. We constantly strive to improve our sustainability and environmental credentials throughout the business, and with that focus, we employed our own Director of Sustainability. We speak to Maïté Angleys about Nikwax, the outdoor […]
Help Syrian Brown Bears in Armenia
Twice a year the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) hold a public and members vote, from which conservation projects around the world can apply to receive funding to help their cause. From each voting session (spring and autumn) three organisations will then receive funds from EOCA to further their projects and help key environmental / […]
#PlogForPlastic with Nikwax and help tackle plastic pollution!
At the recent OutDoor by ISPO show in Munich, Nikwax® was excited to announce a new campaign to help tackle the issue of plastic pollution. Nikwax has teamed up with Swedish trail runner, Erik Ahlström, to launch #PlogForPlastic. Erik Ahlström is the founder of a concept called Plogging – it simply means litter picking whilst […]
Be responsible during festival season
This month festival season kicks off across the UK and abroad. Over the coming months, hundreds of thousands of music fans will descend onto temporary campsites and pitch themselves up for a long weekend of musical highlights. A lot of them will take with them a cheap, pop up tent, and once the festival is […]
Nikwax Expands its Environmental Commitment
Here at Nikwax, we have always been committed to protecting the natural world we love and enjoy, and this is where the focus has been over the over the last 40 years since the company’s inception -by manufacturing low impact products. We have consistently measured our environmental footprint, so we have a solid understanding of […]
SUPPORT the Nikwax nominated project in the 2019 EOCA Funding Vote
Nikwax has nominated the environmental project ‘Children of the Sea’, to stand a chance at winning vital funding from the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) in their 2019 project vote. Fundacion Jocotoco aims to protect the most endangered species and most threatened habitats in Ecuador, outside the governmental system of protected areas. Their Project Objectives: […]
The Nikwax Philosophy – More Than Waterproofing. Part 4 – Consumption Reduction
Nikwax aftercare was created to ensure people could step outside and enjoy the natural world to its fullest, without being affected by the elements. Our products are high performing but with low environmental impact, helping to keep people warm, safe and dry no matter the activity they are undertaking. However, there is more to Nikwax […]
We commit to recycled plastic for our bottles
Restore, Renew, Re-use, Recycle Nikwax® was excited to announce its latest plans to help do more to protect the natural outdoor world at the recent ISPO trade show, which took place in Munich in February. ISPO is a leading trade fair within the sports sector, with over 2,800 exhibitors presenting from all different sectors, such […]
Seeding the meadow with the help of a Nikwax Environmental Grant!
This month’s guest blog is courtesy of Dr Emma Edwards-Jones, whose community in Snowdonia received a Nikwax grant to make a dedicated flower meadow. Each year, Nikwax looks to make available small grants for community projects which focus on the environment. A little bit can go a long way and Nikwax strives to help those […]
Vote to support reforestation in Madagascar
Reforestation of the Indri Lemur Habitat and Development of an Amphibian Trail around the Mitsinjo and Torotorofotsy Reserves, Madagascar. Nikwax is proud to nominate this project for the chance for it to receive a grant from the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) in their yearly project funding scheme. The public vote is live now and we […]
EOCA – Why care?
Recently having a connection to our environment has become increasingly popular. This stems from the disconnect we have with the environment on a day to day basis when we are all plugged into various devices, updating our statuses on social media and watching the all-important hilarious cat videos on YouTube. The need we feel to […]
Stage 2 of #DoMoreWithNikwax
As summer turns to autumn and holidays draw to a close, here is a little something to inspire you to get up, get out and keep being active! This summer Nikwax teamed up with three athletes – Markus Stitz, Fredrika Ek and Jenny Tough – to undertake the #DoMoreWithNikwax challenge, which saw them ride a […]
EOCA – Protecting & Conserving the Outdoors
Over the years the environment and the importance of being environmentally friendly has been increasingly pushed to the forefront of the news, bringing with it a more conscious consumer. Put simply, people are more and more aware of the impact they are having on the environment and consequently changing their habits. The topical news story […]
Nikwax launches #DoMoreWithNikwax Challenge
7,000km Riding | 7,000m Hiking | Camp 10 Countries #DoMoreWithNikwax Challenge Summer 2018 With Fredrika Ek | Markus Stitz | Jenny Tough To encourage others to get outside and do more Nikwax proudly launch the #DoMoreWithNikwax Challenge that will see world class athletes ride a combined total of 7,000 km, hike 7,000 m and camp […]
Nikwax proud to balance its carbon emissions for 40 years
More Than Waterproofing – In their 40th year Nikwax is proud to have balanced all their operational carbon emissions since their start. Maintaining their commitment to conserving and protecting the natural world. As Nikwax celebrates its 40th year as a forward thinking, innovative company, we are also proud to be celebrating the fact that we […]
Nikwax Small Grants Scheme
At Nikwax we take our environmental impact very seriously and are always looking for ways that we can better our working practices, improve our sustainability and protect the natural world around us. Therefore, we feel it is important to encourage others to care for the environment and do their bit to protect it for future generations. […]
LifeStraw – ‘Follow the Litres’ Campaign
“It all started with the issue of safe water. Which should never be an issue.” Swiss-based global health company Vestergaard manufactures award-winning LifeStraw water filters and purifiers. First introduced in 2005 as a personal “straw-like filter, the LifeStraw portfolio has grown to include technologically advanced products fit for all purposes — from the personal LifeStraw, […]
A Printer’s Tale
Our guest blog this month is courtesy of Gareth Dinnage, Managing Director of Seacourt Ltd, a Queen’s Award winning environmental printers. Read on to find out how Seacourt became the world’s first ZERO waste to landfill print company and for Gareth’s top tips on how you can become more eco-friendly to make a positive impact […]
The Best Technology can be Environmentally Friendly
Nikwax is excited to have just launched its most advanced Nikwax Hydrophobic Down at the OutDoor Trade Show in Germany, which welcomes over 900 exhibitors from the global outdoor market. Nikwax Hydrophobic Down is being built into sleeping bags and garments worldwide, and once again we have proven that high waterproofing performance can be achieved […]
A personal letter from Nick Brown, founder of Nikwax, about PFC pollution, and Greenpeace
Dear Outdoor Enthusiast, I am writing to you about something which I do not think has received enough attention in the UK, in the hope that you will help us to publicise it. PFC pollution – Britain lags behind in awareness Most people in Britain would have no idea what I am talking about, whereas […]
WLT – Save the Andean Condor
Soaring high above the mountains in the very remotest parts of South America, the Andean Condor is a spectacular sight. With a wing span of up to three metres, the Andean Condor has a vast range, flying over lowland desert and coastal regions of South America as well as riding thermal currents high over the […]
We’ve raised the standard for PFC-free Nikwax Hydrophobic Down™!
Nikwax Hydrophobic Down is now at least 15 times less water absorbent than standard washed down Nikwax Hydrophobic Down™, which is being built into sleeping bags and garments and taken up by manufacturers worldwide, is raising its minimum standards for water resistance. Nikwax Hydrophobic Down is much more resistant to wet conditions than untreated down. […]
Nikwax celebrates presentation of Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development 2014
On Friday 7th November Nikwax was officially presented with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development 2014, in a ceremony led by HM Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, on behalf of her Majesty the Queen. The photo above shows our Managing Director, Nick Brown, being presented the award by HM Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Peter […]
Nikwax helps protect habitat for Jaguar, Spectacled Bear and Baird’s Tapir in Colombia
1,772 acres of Colombia’s threatened Chocó Rainforest has now been saved thanks in part to funding from World Land Trust, and Nikwax is delighted to have played its part in this purchase! This year, Nikwax has donated £6,364.20 to the World Land Trust’s (WLT) Action Fund for the trust’s most urgent land purchase and protection projects. 2014 is […]
The Benefits of Using Nikwax Polar Proof
When it comes to looking after my kit, I always treat clothing as I would my photography gear; to keep items in prime condition, it’s essential to use recommended cleaning products and follow suggested guidelines. By doing this, I can be sure that they’ll last longer and perform better, even with regular (dare I say, […]
Nikwax grant sends environmental film maker to Iceland
In May of this year, I was able to travel with Risan Media to Iceland with the support of a Nikwax Environmental Grant. I wanted to travel to Iceland to document parallel scientific research around climate change, renewable energy production and outdoor recreation on glaciers. I had been communicating with Dr. Tomas Johannesson from the […]
Nikwax becomes ‘Sustaining Member’ of EOCA
Nikwax is proud to be a member of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA), and our commitment to the cause was further underlined by becoming one of the first ‘Sustaining Members’ at OutDoor in Friedrichshafen, Germany this July. EOCA is an organisation that uses its membership fees to fund and support environmental causes around the world. […]
Nikwax adapts for abrupt climate change
The weather has gone completely mad and protective clothing needs to adapt: Nikwax brings new, “Nikwax Fleece & Windproof system” two-part, PFC treatment free waterproof clothing technology to adapt to abrupt climate change Recent years have seen highly variable weather in the UK: the 2012 drought and the greatest downpour in 250 years accompanied by […]
Hannah and Chico: Welsh Vacation
The latest blog from Hannah and her trusted friend, Chico: I last sent a message at the very beginning of last July’s heat wave, when the rains of June were still fresh. The walk around Wales took another four and a half months; Chico the donkey and I finally arrived back in Aberystwyth in mid-November, […]
How to win a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development
Nikwax has won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development! We’re amongst just 13 companies across the country this year to have received an award in this environmental category, so we’re immensely proud of all our hard work that led to this achievement. We make every effort to minimise our impact on the environment […]
GREEN CHEMISTRY WINS NIKWAX ITS FOURTH QUEEN’S AWARD
Nikwax has today received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. The award is the UK’s highest accolade for business success and celebrates the consistent development of products and approaches to management that are commercially successful and have major benefits for the environment, society and British economy. If you’ve ever noticed your coat soaking […]
World Land Trust – true to its word: Saving Real acres in Real places
WorldLand Trust (WLT) celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year and believes it has something to shout about. Its strapline ‘Saving Real acres in Real places’ is as true today as it was when they established its first project, Programme for Belize, in 1989. In those days it was possible for the charity to buy threatened […]
World Land Trust needs your votes to help its Caucasian Leopard project!
WLT could win a €30,000 grant from National Geographic Germany for its Caucasian Leopard project and you can help by casting your vote! National Geographic Germany is a member of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA), who shortlisted the World Land Trust’s (WLT) project for this public vote. Nikwax, a long standing WLT corporate supporter, […]
Join Nikwax and ‘Love Your Clothes’
What’s in your wardrobe? Did you know the average UK household owns around £4,000 worth of clothes and about 30% of it hasn’t been worn in the last year? Plus, we bin 350,000 tonnes of used clothing every year – that’s the equivalent in weight of more than 29,000 London buses! That’s why Nikwax is […]
Nikwax’ Top 10 Tips for a Greener Christmas
Reduce, re-use and recycle Christmas is the time for giving, so why not give back to the environment and follow our top 10 tips for a greener festive season!
Nikwax Launches Environmental Grants Programme
Nikwax today launched a grants programme to support environmental projects across the UK. The programme, which will see six grants totalling £3,000 being awarded every year, is designed to support small groups and organisations in their environmental ambitions. Over the past two years, Nikwax has supported several groups. An outstanding example is Tchad Solaire, an […]
Nikwax supports World Land Trust urgent land purchase and protection projects
Nikwax and Páramo have been offsetting their unavoidable carbon emissions through World Land Trust (WLT) for over a decade. Alongside this Nikwax and Páramo donate a matched amount to contribute towards WLT’s urgent land purchase and protection projects. Between June 2008 and August 2013 Nikwax and Páramo donated a fantastic £44,819.61 to land purchase and […]
World Land Trust thanks Nikwax for its support
Nikwax believes everyone has a responsibility to do what they can to protect what is left of the natural world. And that’s why it puts money aside to help the World Land Trust (WLT) fund the purchase and protection of critically threatened habitats across the world. Carbon Balanced projects Over the past six years Nikwax has […]
Rab and Nikwax; in partnership
We are embarking on a new partnership with clothing company, Rab, to create hydrophobic down. The waterproof down will be used in Rab clothes and sleeping bags from this Winter, it was announced today. Talking at ISPO, Rab CEO, Matt Gowar said, “There are many treatments on the market, but when we wanted to develop […]
Nikwax Supports Greenpeace on PFC Pollution
Greenpeace calls for ban on fluorocarbon water repellents (PFCs) Earlier this week, Greenpeace published a report calling for a ban on all PFCs (fluorocarbon chemicals) in the outdoor industry. Nikwax aftercare products have NEVER contained PFCs because we share Greenpeace’s concern that these chemicals pose a risk to people’s health and the environment. PFCs are […]
Nikwax® is Green to the Core!
For the third consecutive year, Nikwax® has received a highly regarded Sunday Times Best Green Companies award, which goes to companies that are recognised as visionaries of sustainable, environmental business practices. Nikwax® was founded in 1977 with environmental responsibility as one of its main principles, and continues to lead by example with its staunch environmental […]
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