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.

Merijaan-cup
merijaan-bottle2
LP-Header
Merijaan-bag

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.

2002_Girl_School_presenting

Social

EDUCATING PEOPLE ABOUT THE VALUE OF PLASTIC THROUGH UP- & RECYCLING
DSC02074_copy

Surf

RECYCLABLE & RECYCLED SURF EQUIPMENT

Social &
Surf

Merijaan is built on two foundations. Social educates people about recycling and creates awareness for plastic as a resource by setting up local value chains. Surf uses plastic waste to create 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.

Play Video

MEET THE MERIJAANS

We’re always looking for like-minded people to strengthen our team and create a cleaner environment. Appreciation and respect are major elements of our company culture, because we believe that a happy team is the key to success.

Gianna

Gianna

CEO
Merijaan_Mona

Mona

Success Manager
René

René

Engineering
Gianna

FOUNDER

Gianna,

CEO

Who are you and what do you do at Merijaan? 

I am Gianna, co-founder and CEO of Merijaan. I make sure Merijaan keeps on riding the wave of success - strategic and money wise. And I make sure all the things that no one else does get done ????😉

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?

In der Werkstatt stehen, Plastik schmelzen und dabei lauten Techno hören! Und unser Team ist einfach das Beste. Ich bin immer wieder beeindruckt und inspiriert von der tollen Arbeit, die jede:r leistet. Es gibt tausend kleine Dinge, die ich an der Arbeit bei Merijaan genieße.

Mona, Success Manager

Who are you and what do you do at Merijaan? 

I am Mona and I take care of what is acutely needed at the moment. I process email requests and support the practical implementation in our workshop. In addition, I have made it my mission to give Merijaan a reach, especially among the younger generation.

Tell us about yourself!

I am always looking for change and new experiences. I love action and interaction with people. It's important to me that I see meaning behind what I do.

Why are you with Merijaan?

It often gives me a headache how many problems there are in the world and the associated feeling of never being able to eliminate them all. Especially how our planet is ruined by the ruthlessness of humans makes me sad. Merijaan is contributing to a more sustainable world and I want to be part of that.

What do you enjoy about working at Merijaan?

For me, it was amazing to be integrated into the team right away. The interaction with each other is great and I love the feeling of doing something meaningful.

Merijaan_Mona
René

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!

Our Supporters