Outdoor care brand Nikwax has been recognised for its environmental efforts after achieving the highest possible rating in an independent sustainability assessment.
The Sussex-based company has been awarded a Level 4 “Aspirational” rating in its latest bluesign® Company Assessment – the top level available. The assessment, carried out by bluesign technologies, looked at Nikwax’s manufacturing processes, environmental impact, chemical management and overall approach to responsible production.
Nikwax scored 90% overall, including a perfect 100% score for environmental performance. The auditors found no environmental issues at the company’s Wadhurst production site in East Sussex and concluded that it generates “almost no environmental impact”.
The bluesign system is widely used across the outdoor and textile industries to assess how responsibly products are made, looking at everything from energy use and waste to chemical safety and worker wellbeing. The highest “Aspirational” rating is reserved for companies that go beyond basic requirements and demonstrate best practice.
For Nikwax, sustainability has been part of its identity since the company was founded in 1977. It pioneered water-based waterproofing products and has never intentionally added PFAS – a group of chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their persistence in the environment – to its products.
The company says its approach is based around helping people get more life out of their outdoor kit, reducing the need to replace clothing and equipment prematurely. Its products are designed to restore the performance of waterproof jackets, footwear and other gear rather than encouraging more consumption.
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“Achieving the highest bluesign Aspirational rating is a significant milestone and reflects the dedication of our entire team,” said Tim Pickering, Director of Product at Nikwax.
“For nearly 50 years, Nikwax has challenged the idea that product performance has to come at an environmental cost.”
