We think about the ingredients that go into the food we cook. But what about the ingredients that clean our dishes and clothes? Designed for sustainability and effective cleaning, Dropps bio-based laundry and detergent pods deliver flawless cleaning while caring about the planet. In my exclusive interview with Senior Director of Brand and Innovation Sydney Waldron, she delves into her background, the innovative brand, and more.
Thank you for joining us. Could you please tell us about yourself and how you got involved with the Dropps company?
I’ve been with Dropps since 2007, which was right when laundry detergent pods were in their infancy and when we developed the first liquid laundry detergent pod in the U.S. Being part of that early innovation shaped how I think about the category today. My role focuses on translating consumer insights into new product ideas, formulas, and technologies that make daily cleaning routines easier and more effective. What drew me to the company, and what has kept me here is the opportunity to innovate in a category that people interact with every single day. These are high-touch products that are deeply embedded in daily routines, yet they’re often overlooked.
What’s been exciting to me is the potential for impact. When you can deliver a product that performs at or better than what consumers are already using, but with more thoughtful ingredients and a more sustainable approach built in, you make it easy for people to change their habits without sacrificing results. That combination of performance, ease, and meaningful improvement is what continues to drive my work at Dropps today.
Why would we want to implement Dropps dish and laundry detergent into our household routine and what are your most popular products?
At Dropps, the goal has always been to make everyday cleaning routines both simple and highly effective but also to help people think a little differently about the products they use daily. Most people are very thoughtful about what they put on their skin, whether it’s skincare, body care, or even the food they consume. But what often gets overlooked are the products that come into contact with your skin all day long, like the detergent used to wash your clothes, towels, and bedding. In laundry our focus is delivering high-performance cleaning with thoughtfully selected ingredients that meet rigorous standards. Our formulas are reviewed through the Cradle to Cradle Certified Material Health assessment, which is the same level of ingredient scrutiny used by many leading beauty and personal care brands which include Kiehl’s, CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, and Henry Rose.
Our Odor & Stain Biobased Power Laundry Detergent is one of our most popular product lines. The detergent uses a powerful enzyme system that breaks down odors and stains while helping keep fabrics fresh and clean. We’ve also introduced Odor Eraser, a newer innovation designed to target deeper, more persistent buildup in fabrics. This is especially helpful for items like activewear and synthetic textiles. In dish, our UltraWash Plus Dishwasher Pods are a standout. Our multi-chamber dishwasher pod uses specialized enzymes and oxygen-powered ingredients to tackle grease stuck-on food and stains while leaving dishes and glassware spot-free. Ultimately it’s about creating products that perform at a high level while aligning with how consumers are increasingly thinking about the products they use on and around their bodies every day
What sets this brand apart from others and will you be producing any new products?
Innovation has always been central to Dropps. The brand introduced the first laundry detergent pod in the U.S., and today we continue to evolve the category. What really sets us apart is our deep understanding of the consumer. We spend a lot of time understanding people’s daily routines, their biggest pain points, and where there are unmet needs in the category. From there, our focus is on developing solutions that truly meet them where they are. In this space, we’ve seen many brands introduce products that are positioned as clean or sustainable but don’t always align with how consumers actually live or don’t deliver on performance. There’s also a lot of greenwashing in the category with claims that aren’t always clearly defined or verified.
That’s why we put a strong emphasis on third-party verified certifications and ingredient transparency rather than vague claims. For example, many Dropps products carry the USDA Certified Biobased label, meaning they’ve been tested to confirm a significant percentage of renewable ingredients, and we also undergo Cradle to Cradle Certified Material Health assessments, which apply a strict level of ingredient scrutiny. Looking ahead, that same consumer-first mindset continues to guide how we think about new products. We identify real needs and develop solutions that fit seamlessly into daily life, while continuing to raise the bar for what consumers should expect from cleaning products through ongoing innovation in formulation, performance, and design.
I thought you might have an interesting response to this question. Working in this industry for so many years do you have any top tips you could share with us about doing laundry or washing dishes
One thing that’s really shifted my perspective over the years is how much the clothes themselves matter, not just the detergent you’re using. I’ve become really focused on the long-term longevity of fabrics. How do you keep your favorite pieces looking and feeling great for as long as possible? That starts with more thoughtful textile selection, but it’s also about how you care for those items over time. For example, one of the biggest contributors to microplastics in our waterways actually comes from laundry. It’s primarily from the shedding of synthetic textiles like polyester and nylon during the wash cycle, not the detergent itself. Being more mindful about the fabrics you’re buying and wearing can make a real difference. At the same time, using products that clean effectively without being overly harsh helps maintain the integrity of fabrics so they last longer. That’s something we think about a lot in formulation.
On a more practical level, I’ve found that solving for buildup and lingering odors can really extend the life of your wardrobe. Our Odor Eraser has honestly been a bit of a game-changer for me. Beyond that a few simple habits go a long way like using the right amount of detergent, washing in cold water, and not overloading your washer or dishwasher so everything can clean properly. It really comes down to small, thoughtful choices that help you get more life out of the things you already own.
Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
At this point, sustainability and more thoughtful ingredients are really table stakes for a modern brand. What matters just as much, and sometimes even more, is performance. If a product doesn’t clean effectively the first time, people end up rewashing and using more water, more energy, and more product. Getting performance right isn’t just about results, it’s one of the most meaningful ways to reduce overall impact. At Dropps, that’s why we focus so heavily on creating products that deliver strong, reliable performance in a single wash or cycle so consumers don’t have to compromise or repeat the process. Because ultimately, the most sustainable solution is one that works the first time.
Discover the magic of Dropps and go to https://www.dropps.com/
