Maria Westerbos is the Founder and, since 2025, Chief Changemaker of the Plastic Soup Foundation. After formally stepping down as director, she continues to advocate passionately for action against plastic pollution and its impact on health. At the symposium, she shares her vision on systemic change and the power of public pressure in tackling the plastic crisis.

Robbert Meulenveld has been Director of the Plastic Soup Foundation since 2025. After a 28-year career in marketing and interim leadership, he fully committed himself to the fight against (micro)plastics. Previously PSF’s Head of Marketing, Robbert has also worked with Greenpeace, KWF, and other major organizations. At the symposium, he shares his vision on systemic change and the role of political and societal pressure in ending the plastic crisis.

Jeroen Dagevos is Head of Programs at the Plastic Soup Foundation, a leading NGO committed to fighting plastic pollution. With a strong background in environmental science and policy, he works on strategies to prevent plastic leakage and raise awareness of its health and environmental risks. Jeroen leads various projects that target the source of pollution and advocates for better regulations, corporate responsibility, and the elimination of harmful plastics like microplastics. At the symposium, he will speak about the systemic changes needed to address the plastic crisis, and the crucial role of science, policy, and public pressure in achieving them.

Alexandra French is CEO of Xampla, a company pioneering plant‑based, biodegradable materials to replace synthetic plastics. With over 25 years of experience in specialty chemistry, including senior roles at Johnson Matthey and Titon, she brings strong commercial, technical and leadership expertise. At the symposium she will speak on how innovations like Morro can be scaled, and what strategic and operational hurdles must be addressed for sustainable materials to truly replace plastic.

Education Officer, ARTIS

Saar Bakker is an Education Officer at ARTIS, where she develops educational programs and experiences in the park that invite visitors to reflect on the relationship between humans, other animals, nature, and the planet. With a background in education and nature communication, she translates scientific and ecological themes into accessible and meaningful experiences for a broad audience.

Within ARTIS, Saar works at the intersection of learning, experience, and awareness, aiming to strengthen ecological thinking and encourage sustainable action. At the symposium, she will highlight the vital importance of biodiversity and inspire a deeper sense of connection with nature — in line with ARTIS’s mission: together, we strengthen our bond with nature for a liveable future for all.

Rutger Mollee is a seasoned moderator and presentation coach, leading around 70 conferences annually. As a partner at Speak to Inspire, he helps speakers craft more effective, compelling presentations. His performances with De Speld also add humor and depth to events. At the symposium, he will moderate the sessions weaving together speakers, audience, and content with skill and presence.

Head of Groote Museum & ARTIS Academy, ARTIS

Karlien Pijnenborg leads the Groote Museum and the ARTIS Academy, connecting art, nature, and science through innovative public programs. At the symposium, she will join Robbert Meulenveld and Anouk Rutte for the opening session, introducing the theme of Planetary Health from multiple perspectives.

Savitri Groag is Sustainability Manager at ARTIS, working on the park’s and organization’s sustainability efforts. During the symposium, she will lead a guided tour of ARTIS, demonstrating how sustainability and nature experiences can reinforce each other a tangible expression of Planetary Health in practice.

Senior Consultant Sustainability & Health, Précon Consulting Group

Matthijs Mondria is a Packaging Consultant at Précon Consulting Group, where he advises companies on regulations and sustainable packaging solutions. With previous work experience at FrieslandCampina and Aviko, he has a strong foundation in both design and production processes. Matthijs studied Industrial Design Engineering at the University of Twente, with a focus on Packaging Design & Management. His work is characterized by an integrated approach to packaging issues, combining ease of use, sustainability, and regulations.

CEO of Crisp

Michiel Roodenburg is the CEO and co-founder of Crisp, the fast-growing online supermarket that connects consumers directly with local farmers and food producers — with a strong focus on freshness, transparency, and quality. Under his leadership, Crisp has invested heavily in logistics innovation, sustainable packaging solutions, and shorter supply chains to reduce waste and environmental impact.

Driven by a passion for systemic change in the food and retail sectors, Michiel explores how we can bring healthy food closer to people while protecting soil, water, and nature. He sees upcoming packaging legislation (such as the EU’s PPWR) not as a constraint, but as an opportunity to accelerate the shift towards circular design and innovative business models.

At the Symposium, Michiel will share Crisp’s perspective on the intersection of food, packaging, and health — and what it takes to truly accelerate the transition to a more sustainable system.

Marine ecotoxicologist

Dr. Concepción Martínez-Gómez is a marine ecotoxicologist at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), with a particular focus on the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on marine life.
In collaboration with the late Professor A. Dick Vethaak, she conducted pioneering studies on how plastic debris and chemical pollutants impact marine organisms and ecosystem health — for example in the study “The adverse effects of virgin microplastics on the fertilization and larval development of sea urchins”.
Her work emphasises that tackling plastic pollution and chemical contamination requires system-level thinking and interdisciplinary cooperation to initiate meaningful change in marine ecosystems.

Thomas Kascha is an entrepreneur and CEO of Natural Tableware and Disposables.bio, where he is committed to a plastic-free future with tableware and packaging made from renewable, biodegradable materials. He advocates for clear regulations on biobased alternatives and for transitions that yield both ecological and social benefits. As a member of the Planetary Health Hub NL, he works on solutions that bring together health, design and the circular economy.