Nikwax Hits Carbon Emission Goals 18 Months Ahead Of Schedule
Nikwax, the international leader in technical cleaners and waterproofing products for outdoor gear and apparel, has reached a significant milestone in its sustainability journey by successfully achieving its scope 1 and 2 carbon emission reduction goals 18 months earlier than originally planned. In 2022, Nikwax released its Sustainability Report, committing to 20 projects to meet its sustainability goals by 2025. Moving forward, the brand will continue to focus on its scope 3 goals and new science-based targets.
“As the leading global brand in PFAS-free aftercare products, Nikwax strongly believes that it has a fundamental responsibility to lead by example with regards to preserving the natural environment and preventing further damage to the planet,” said Brian Davidson, Nikwax CEO. “We were founded on these principles and now, as a global business selling products in over 50 countries, our core values and principles remain the same. We continue to offer innovative products to help consumers care for their outdoor gear and apparel; provide brands with a top-performing, PFAS-free DWR treatments; and utilize sustainable, ethical, and fair practices.”
Nikwax has also succeeded in progressing in all six fields of action that were part of its January 2022 sustainability roadmap:
- Clean chemistry: Nikwax aftercare products are water-based, PFAS-free and the brand has never used aerosols. Goal: To continue to produce high performance products that don’t harm people or the planet by adhering to a Chemical Management System in line with the guidelines provided by the ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) non-governmental organization. Status: Nikwax has improved its verified Higg FEM score by 13%.
- Climate Action: Nikwax’s operational emissions have been carbon balanced from day one and a climate action plan is in place to do more. It is dedicated to take action to combat further climate change and its negative impact on the planet and people. Goal: To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2025. Status: Nikwax has achieved targets early and committed to doing more.
- Conservation: Nikwax currently partners with conservation organizations to help conserve the natural world and is active on a local, national, and global level. Goal: To continue our conservation work at a global and local level. Status:Nikwax works with World Land Trust, Conservation Alliance, and EOCA on a global level as well as undertaking local conservation initiatives.
- Circularity: To combat the global waste problem, it’s vital to keep materials in the loop for as long as possible by buying quality, ethically sourced and produced gear, with regular care applied to extend its life. Nikwax products enhance the performance and extend the life of outdoor clothing, footwear and gear and ensure materials used within the company are kept in the loop as long as possible. Goal: By the end of 2023, 90% of all single use plastic purchased by Nikwax will be made from recycled plastic. Status: Nikwax products are packaged in 100% recycled and recyclable plastic bottles and caps and the company has achieved zero HQ waste to landfill.
- Ethical and Fair: As a values-orientated brand, Nikwax believes in treating the people it works with fairly and equally. Goal: To continue to treat employees, suppliers, and partner brands fairly and ethically. Status: Nikwax achieved Ethical Employer status verified by Sedex. Developed a supplier scorecard to help increase sustainability in our value chain.
- Employee Owned: Nikwax is part of an Employee Owned Trust (EOT) meaning all employees are stakeholders in the company. Goal: To continue to make a positive contribution to the world and the communities we work in by ensuring that the sustainable development and production of our products is placed above short term financial gain. Status: Nikwax successfully transitioned to an EOT in 2022 and is building on founding values to ensure a sustainable future for the company, the planet and its people.
