Nikwax waterproofing and aftercare

Nikwax was founded in 1977 by Nick Brown, who originally developed a non-softening waterproofing wax for leather boots in his North London flat. Dissatisfied with available outdoor maintenance products, he used a tea urn and a primus stove to mix his first commercial batches. The brand quickly gained international recognition for its effective and environmentally conscious solutions, leading the industry as the first to develop water-based waterproofing products in 1983, effectively eliminating harmful aerosols and solvents from their range.

In early 2022, after 45 years of private ownership, Nick Brown transferred the ownership of the company to its employees through the formation of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This structure ensures that the company is owned and controlled by the people who work there, protecting its independence and commitment to sustainability. Today, Nikwax remains headquartered in Wadhurst, East Sussex, and continues to manufacture its products at its own facility in the South East of England, maintaining its reputation as a leader in PFAS-free gear care.