As a walker and outdoor enthusiast himself, Nick turned his imaginative mind to walkers' apparel, which, as with the boots, needed to stay waterproof, wind resistant and comfortable. It was around 1980 that the beginning of ‘green thinking’; awareness of ozone depletion and the problems relating to aerosols arose. In 1983, determined to find new, easy and 'clean', ways to waterproof garments, Nick developed an entirely novel approach. Harmful and flammable solvents were replaced with water, and the Nikwax Water-Based Range was created. Nikwax was the first company in the world to produce a range of water-based products for restoring waterproofing in the home. Not only did the products avoid emitting harmful solvents into the atmosphere, but they were also very easy to use, allowing people to reproof their clothes in a washing machine.
