At Nikwax, we have never used per- and polyfluorinated compounds (PFAS) in any of our products – and we never will.
We are the only aftercare company to have always been 100% PFAS-free, choosing safe, clean chemical alternatives from day one. We have also never used aerosols, and we have fully balanced out our historical operational carbon emissions.
PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) – also known as perfluorinated compounds – are a large family of man-made chemicals widely used in many household, clothing, and care products for their water- and oil-repelling properties.
The problem? PFAS are extremely persistent in the environment and can take thousands of years to break down – earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” They can accumulate in wildlife, water systems, and human tissue, and research has linked them to harmful effects on both environmental and human health.
Find out more about the risk and harm of PFAS here: Why PFAS are bad.
Many aftercare products on the market still use fluoropolymers because they provide oil repellency. But our testing has shown these treatments are vulnerable to abrasion and wear – and the latest evidence shows they can break down into highly persistent chemicals that may cause serious health concerns, even at extremely low concentrations.
We believe using PFAS in domestic environments is an unacceptable risk. That’s why we’ve always taken a safer route to durable water repellency – one that protects both performance and the planet.
By choosing Nikwax, you’re choosing high-performance aftercare that cares for your gear, your health, and the natural world.
