Dropps

About Dropps

Dropps operates within the household cleaning supplies market, offering a range of biobased and sustainable laundry and dishwasher detergents. The company’s origins trace back to the 1980s when Jonathan Propper and his mother, Lenore Propper Schwartz, ran a cotton mill and developed a gentle, biodegradable detergent called Cot'n Wash to protect their fabrics. This venture into fabric care laid the groundwork for Dropps, which Jonathan Propper officially launched in 2006, pioneering the first liquid laundry detergent pod. Propper, a textile engineer, was motivated to create a more convenient and eco-friendly solution after observing the waste and inefficiency of traditional liquid detergents.

The company's business model initially centered on a direct-to-consumer (DTC) subscription service, selling its products online. This strategy allowed Dropps to build a loyal customer base before expanding into an omnichannel approach. In recent years, Dropps has moved into major retail stores like Target, H-E-B, and Wegmans to reach a broader market. Revenue is generated through both online subscription sales and retail partnerships. In 2020, the company received a significant $16 million investment from The Craftory to scale its operations and product development.

Dropps' core products are ultra-concentrated laundry and dishwasher detergent pods, designed to reduce water usage and packaging waste. The pods feature a dissolvable film (PVOH) and are shipped in recyclable, compostable cardboard packaging, a stark contrast to the plastic jugs common in the industry. The product line includes various formulations, such as the 4-in-1 Plus Oxi Biobased Power Laundry Detergent and the UltraWash Biobased Dish Detergent. These products are USDA Certified Biobased, Leaping Bunny Certified (cruelty-free), and formulated without dyes, parabens, or phosphates. The company emphasizes performance, aiming to match the efficacy of conventional brands while adhering to strict environmental standards. As a certified B Corporation, Dropps has received accolades such as the EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year in 2017 for its commitment to social and environmental performance.