Nikwax is well known for its aftercare waterproofing products which can successfully bring back water-repellency and water-proofing to used garments. At ISPO its founder Nick Brown announced Nikwax’s plans to supply industry with PFC-free water-repellent technology.
PFCs, or perfluorinated compounds, are widely used in the outdoor industry to enhance water-repellency of clothing. Most DWR treatments use PCFs for example. PFCs are very stable chemicals which tend to bio-accumulate in humans and animals bodies, and due to their toxicity they present a potential environmental threat.
To act on it, Nikwax announced at ISPO 2014 Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, a PFC-free treated down that will keep loft when wet while not damaging the environment. Test results show Nikwax Hydrophobic Down absorbs 13 times less water than untreated down. The hydrophobic down from Nikwax will be used in all of Rab’s down garments starting fall-winter 2014.
Nikwax also talked about its new Analogy Waterproof System, which is being used in Páramo’s waterproof clothing. Analogy is a membrane-free waterproof system that works by directing water to the outside. This works for moisture and condensation and is said to perform better than traditional membranes.
A word from Nick Brown, founder of Nikwax:
For years Nikwax has been providing PFC-free high performance aftercare to the world outdoor market, and has attained a world leading position with its technology. We all know that the original water-repellent treatments, PFC or otherwise, need to be replaced because of wear and abrasion after a year or so, and Nikwax does that job very well, easily and safely. Now, justifiable pressure from environmental campaigners is going to drive PFC treatments from the marketplace, first in Europe, and then in the rest of the world. There is both an opportunity and a threat. It is a great opportunity for those who adopt the PFC free technology quickly and a huge threat for those that will get left behind. Overall, the pressure to remove PFCs from our environment will stimulate exciting new developments, and bring innovative new technology; Nikwax wants to be part of that renewal process.
