Ride the wave of change
Understand and avoid plastic
Did you know that plastic is not only waste, but can even be used to make surfboards? In our workshops we look at plastic as a resource and raise awareness for a sustainable use of it. Our small contribution to a better world - interactive, fun & at eye level.
OUR BELIEF
We believe in a world without new plastic. And we make the best of the old. We are creating awareness through education of how to deal with plastic. We also love surfing. That's why we develop & market sustainable surf equipment.
OUR name
"Meri jaan" derives from Hindi and loosely translated means "affair of the heart". Because our work is our affair of the heart.
WHO WE ARE
We’re surfers, lovers, engineers, thinkers, activists, designers and developers. We change the world little by little, wave by wave, day by day. We’re working towards a world without new plastic production. Inspired by the Precious Plastic- movement, we recycle plastic waste into new, beautiful and durable products.
Gianna
FOUNDER
Gianna,
CEO
Who are you and what do you do at Merijaan?
I am Gianna, founder and CEO of Merijaan. I make sure that Merijaan continues to ride the wave of success - strategically and financially. I also make sure that all the things are done that nobody else does.
Tell us about yourself!
I love sports in nature. Vaulting, arco yoga, kitesurfing, everything! I studied industrial engineering and worked at Bombardier and Capgemini among others. In 2016, I presented the first idea for Merijaan in a social venture competition at the UN in New York.
Why are you with Merijaan?
During a semester abroad in India, I saw so much poverty and plastic waste that I really wanted to do something about it. After many failed attempts, we found a solution with Merijaan that addresses both problems.
What do you enjoy about working at Merijaan?
Standing in the workshop, melting plastic and listening to loud techno! And our team is simply the best. I'm always impressed and inspired by the great work that everyone does. There are a thousand little things that I enjoy about working at Merijaan.
Nicole,
Business Development Manager
Who are you and what do you do at Merijaan?
I'm Nicole and I make sure that Merijaan gets more reach, that you can hire us for corporate events and that we are present at schools, neighbourhood events and much more. I also take care of expanding our co-operations and partnerships and making sure that everyone is happy.
Tell us about yourself!
I am a doer, I enjoy breaking new ground, realising projects and growing together with a team. I love variety and action not only in my professional life, but also in my private life, with many hobbies from kitesurfing to wakeboarding, snowboarding, climbing via ferratas with the most beautiful views and lots of other activities, including cultural ones.
Why are you with Merijaan?
Together with our great team, I want to make a difference and develop sustainable solutions. My part in this? Sharing them with you, working with companies and schools, exploring new avenues with partners and, above all, having fun doing something good for the environment.
What do you enjoy about working at Merijaan?
Being able to contribute so many ideas, realising that my work has real added value and helps Merijaan and our projects move forward. The daily exchange and contact with so many great people and organisations for such an important topic gives me an incredible amount of energy. And the icing on the cake: the whole thing in remote. 🙂
Nicole
Head of Business Development
René
Engineering
René,
Engineering
Who are you and what do you do at Merijaan?
I'm René and I run Merijaan's technical department. Product development, feasibility, conception - that’s all on my plate.
Tell us about yourself!
I've been boarding since I was little - in the snow, on the water, everywhere. That's where I feel free. I recently started mountain biking again - pure adrenaline! I used to work in technical design in the automotive industry.
Why are you with Merijaan?
Plastic is not waste, but an important resource. Industry and politics do nothing about littering because it seems unprofitable. That's exactly where we come in with Merijaan - and prove that change is possible.
What do you enjoy about working at Merijaan?
The wonderful team and developing products that are not only trimmed for profit, but also for meaning... The social aspect of what we do is incredibly important to me!
Mona,
Workshop Coach
Our workshop leaders at Merijaan are not only experts, but also true inspirers. With passion and creativity, they bring a breath of fresh air to every project and bring sustainability to life. Together we shape a better future.
Mona
Workshops
Pascal
Success Manager
Pascal,
Success Manager
Pascal, our Success Manager, is not only an expert, but also a passionate sportsman and lives sustainability every day. With his positive energy and friendly nature, he accompanies you on your journey and ensures that your projects at Merijaan are a success. Pascal is your motivating partner who always has a smile on his face!
Lisa,
Workshop Coach
Our workshop leaders at Merijaan are not only experts, but also true inspirers. With passion and creativity, they bring a breath of fresh air to every project and bring sustainability to life. Together we shape a better future.