For the latest instalment of our Proper People blog, we took a short trip down the M6 to Chorley, home to one of Lancashire’s best-kept secrets: Droyt’s Soap. Nestled in a Victorian cotton mill hidden among a maze of terrace houses, Droyt’s has a rich history and over a century of soap-making expertise. We knew this storied company had to be featured on our Proper People Blog.
A Century-Old Legacy
Droyt’s Soap was originally founded in Minsk, Belarus, in 1893. After navigating through several historical events, the company found a new home in Chorley in 1937. Their base of operations? An old, abandoned cotton mill. Remarkably, the company continues to operate out of the very same building today, blending tradition with timeless craftsmanship.
A Warm Welcome
Our Partnerships Manager, Evan, was greeted by Sophie, Sales and Marketing Manager at Droyt’s (and, we’re proud to note, wearing a lovely pair of LANX Langho boots in black). Sophie took us behind the scenes of traditional soap-making, explaining how Droyt’s still follows the original family recipe passed down through generations.
Their soap-making process remains gloriously old-school. They rely on antique machines and time-tested methods that simply can’t be replicated with modern techniques. For example, the enormous blue steel frames used to set the liquid soap into ton blocks were custom-made for the factory back in 1947. Every single block of soap that has left the factory since has been set in one of these two frames—a true testament to craftsmanship that endures.
Best Sellers, Old and New
Sophie then took us on a trip through the ages, introducing us to some of Droyt’s past best-selling soap products, ranging from comical shapes such as little dogs and decorated eggs to a little policeman, fondly named PC49, sold back in the 50’s. Their Vegatas and Glycerose soap bars, iconic products from the 1980s, are still sold to this day and with their original box artwork too.
Fast forward to today, and Droyt’s remains committed to producing high-quality, ethical products. While their modern bath bars have taken centre stage as best sellers, their commitment to quality and craftsmanship has remained unchanged. Their soaps are sulphate-free, vegan, cruelty-free, microplastic-free, and suitable for all skin types. Their simplest unperfumed soap boasts just seven ingredients, proving that sometimes less really is more.
Prestigious Commissions
Droyt’s reputation extends far beyond Lancashire. They’ve produced soap for some prestigious names, including Liberty London, Chatsworth House, The House of Lords, and even HRH King Charles himself.
Supporting Local Craft
At LANX, we take pride in supporting proper people—those who, like us, are committed to craftsmanship, quality, and tradition. Droyt’s Soap is a perfect example of this ethos. It’s businesses like these that keep Lancashire’s heritage alive, and we’re proud to shine a spotlight on their story.
DROYT'S SOAP
