One of just 185 organisations recognised nationally in 2026, the award, announced today (6 May) acknowledges Nikwax’s long-standing leadership in sustainable innovation. 

According to the expert committee for the King’s Awards: “Nikwax demonstrates how a company founded with inherent sustainability benefits from its founding choices, can embrace change, and become a leader in sustainability.  The company is a beacon for its industry.” 

Nikwax has been PFAS-free since its founding in 1977 and has never used aerosols in its products. At a time when sustainability was barely part of the industry conversation, the brand embedded environmental responsibility into its core business model, an approach that continues to define Nikwax nearly 50 years on. This latest recognition follows other recent accolades including an International Green Apple Award for its Roadmap to Zero project and an Eco Award at Slide OTS for its innovative product, Stain Scrub. 

The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s commitment to continuing the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II in celebrating exceptional UK businesses.  Nikwax has won the prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise multiple times, most notably for Sustainable Development in 2014, the first outdoor brand to achieve this.   

Nikwax’s CEO Brian Davidson comments: “We are incredibly proud to receive a King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. This is a significant milestone for Nikwax and recognition of the principles that have guided us from the beginning. Our environmental ethos is at the heart of everything we do, and this achievement reflects the dedication of our team in delivering high-performance, low-impact solutions. It also reinforces to our customers that they can trust Nikwax to help them care for their gear while protecting the environment. This recognition strengthens our commitment to leading by example and demonstrates the long-term value sustainability brings to our business and the wider industry.” 

Georgina Mcloughlin, Nikwax’s Sustainability Manager comments further on this accolade: “I’m incredibly proud that Nikwax has received a King’s Award for Sustainable Development. Working across teams throughout the business, I see first-hand the collective effort behind this achievement and our shared commitment to doing the right thing.” 

With its headquarters in Wadhurst, Nikwax employs over 100 people across international locations, with teams in the UK, USA, Poland, and the Netherlands.  The brand is an active member of the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA), working with the industry to promote PFAS-free solutions and stronger environmental protections.   

Further information on the King’s Awards is available at: https://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise.