Nikwax Develops New Retail Waterproofing Diagnostic Tool

April 1, 2022

The Aqua Forensic Device (AFD) will help customers identify their waterproofing needs while providing retailers with an experiential draw.

[Seattle, WA, April 1, 2022] /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Nikwax is proud to unveil a new experiential retail tool. Launching with key retailers in late 2022, the Aqua Forensic Device (AFD) will help customers identify their waterproofing needs while providing retailers with an experiential draw.

Nikwax has always been on the forefront of driving awareness of the need for aftercare. Many outdoor enthusiasts don’t know that regularly cleaning and re-waterproofing outdoor clothing, gear, and footwear can help extend the product’s life while keeping the user comfortable outdoors. This new tool will assist customers in self-diagnosing the item’s need for aftercare, as well as suggesting and dispensing the proper products.

“One big question we always get is ‘when should I be cleaning and waterproofing my gear,’” says Heidi Allen VP of Marketing for Nikwax. “Of course, the simple answer is when it no longer repels water, or if it is dirty, but this new tool takes the guesswork out of the process.”

The mobile AFD provides 3D cameras, as well as water jet spray heads situated around the interior of the enclosed booth. The user enters wearing the gear they wish to test. After using the touchscreen interface to enter information about their item, including type of gear, brand, and age, the booth selects the correct spray height and strength, performs a diagnostic spray, then analyzes the results. All areas of water-repellency failure are documented on the video screen, and the correct Nikwax products are then dispensed from the accompanying vending unit. There’s also a call button that enables the customer to directly connect with the store’s staff to ask additional questions.

“There are multiple benefits of the AFD,” says Allen. “It helps educate the user on the need for aftercare, while  ensuring they use the correct wash for their item. It offers a source of revenue for the retailer while simultaneously providing an experiential draw for the customer. And, because it’s mobile, retailers can take the show on the road to local events.”

The AFD will be shipping to select retailers in time for the busy holiday season. If your retail location is interested in this device, please contact Nikwax at Aprilfools@nikwax.com.

About Nikwax
Nikwax was founded in 1977 and is the global leader in environmentally safe cleaning and waterproofing solutions that extend the life and performance of technical clothing, footwear, and equipment. Creating products that deliver maximum effectiveness while minimizing environmental impacts and promoting sustainability, Nikwax is the only major aftercare company to have never used aerosols, PFCs, or harmful volatile organic chemicals. The company’s 40+ year commitment to clean chemistry means all its products are water-based, biodegradable, and not tested on animals. Nikwax is an operationally carbon-balanced, employee-owned company.