Plastic Soup Surfer and Retulp have shared the same mission since 2014: less disposable plastic and more recycling. Merijn Tinga fights against plastic pollution and the disposable society with expeditions, research and campaigns. Retulp does that with reusable bottles and lunch products that replace single-use plastic. The photo shows Merijn Tinga holding a Retulp drinking bottle. That fits exactly with what connects us: practical solutions with impact. Where Merijn puts the subject on the agenda of the public, politicians and companies, Retulp helps organizations and consumers to make more sustainable choices. So we're both working on the same movement with visible action and reusable solutions that make a real difference.
Merijn Tinga takes an engraved Retulp drinking bottle to the pope
In 2026, that joint mission got a special follow-up. During his expedition from Nice to Rome, Merijn Tinga called attention to deposits, plastic pollution and system change. On May 21, he met with the Pope. On that occasion, the Pope received a Retulp drinking bottle with an appropriate engraving. For Retulp , this is more than a symbolic gift. It shows how far a clear mission can reach. Less single-use plastic often starts small, but can grow into real social impact. That's exactly why Plastic Soup Surfer fits Retulp so well. We both believe that recycling should become the norm and that a strong story, coupled with a visible product, really gets people moving.
Pope receives engraved Retulp drinking bottle from Plastic Soup Surfer
Merijn Tinga actually handed the engraved Retulp drinking bottle to the Pope in Rome. The photo shows the Pope visibly holding the Retulp bottle in his hands. It is a visible symbol of reuse, deposit and the common fight against disposable plastic. For Retulp and Plastic Soup Surfer, here comes together a story that has been going on for years. What started with the same mission against plastic waste got a moment in Rome that shows how far a strong sustainable story can reach. Merijn and Retulp have shared the same drive since 2013: less single-use plastic and more recycling. In 2013, we both participated in several beach clean ups. In 2014, I started Retulp and Merijn as a Plastic Soup Surfer.
Merijn Tinga and Retulp: shared mission since 2014
Retulp and Merijn Tinga have known each other since 2014. In those early years, we were both active in the fight against disposable plastic and plastic pollution. Since then, our paths have continued to cross. Merijn grew into the Plastic Soup Surfer, known for expeditions, research and campaigns for deposit money and less litter. Retulp continued to build reusable bottles and lunch products as a practical alternative to single-use plastic. The photo next to this text shows Merijn handing over his book to our colleague Coby in Apeldoorn. That shows that for years this cooperation has been born from a shared conviction: less plastic waste starts with visible behavior and smart solutions.
Plastic Soup Surfer reaches Rome and hands Retulp bottle to Prince Albert of Monaco
With this expedition, Plastic Soup Surfer once again drew attention to deposits, less plastic waste and change at the grassroots: in politics and business. Along the way, the mission also received additional international attention. For example, Merijn handed a Retulp bottle to Prince Albert of Monaco, putting the message about recycling and deposit on the agenda there as well. In addition to the engraved bottle for the Pope and the Prince of Monaco, Retulp also made bottles available for Plastic Soup Surfer's crowdfunding campaign. This gave this mission not only symbolic value, but also very concrete support.
Plastic Soup Surfer crowdfunding with Retulp bottles: from Oslo to Rome
A crowdfunding campaign has also been launched for the Nice to Rome expedition. With this, Plastic Soup Surfer is asking for support to make this mission possible, from the coast to the Vatican. Retulp is contributing to this in a nice way with special Oslo to Rome bottles. These limited edition Retulp drink bottles are part of the quid pro quo for donors. In this way, support for the fight against plastic pollution immediately takes on a tangible form. The image next to this text shows the Retulp bottles with Oslo to Rome print. This brings the story of reuse, impact and awareness together very concretely. For Retulp , this fits perfectly with the mission to reduce single-use plastic and make reusable alternatives visible. In this way, we not only help with a product, but also with extra attention to a greater cause.
Limited edition Retulp drinking bottle in consideration for donors
Those who support Plastic Soup Surfer's crowdfunding campaign are helping to tackle plastic pollution at its source. At the same time, this action shows how a Retulp drinking bottle can be more than just a practical product. With a donation of 50 euros, supporters will receive a limited edition Retulp water bottle as a thank you. That makes this crowdfunding campaign extra strong: it connects a clear mission to a useful and lasting memory. The Oslo to Rome print gives the bottle a special story, linked to the expedition towards Pope Leo XIV. For Retulp , this is a great example of how reusable bottles can contribute to awareness, sustainable impact and less disposable plastic. Thus, Plastic Soup Surfer and Retulp reinforce each other once again in the same mission: less plastic waste and more recycling.
Sustainable cooperation for less single-use plastic and more re-use
What connects Plastic Soup Surfer and Retulp is more than a shared interest in sustainability. We both believe that real change happens when awareness and action come together. Merijn shows with his expeditions how big the problem of plastic pollution is and how powerful deposits can work. Retulp helps companies and consumers daily choose reusable products instead of disposable ones. That partnership now takes on added meaning as the Pope receives an engraved Retulp drinking bottle. Thus, mission, product and message come together strongly. That also makes this collaboration relevant for organizations that want to work on CSR, sustainable business gifts and less single-use plastic.
Why charities choose sustainable merchandise with logo
More and more charities are discovering how powerful sustainable merchandise can be. Not only for extra visibility, but also to recruit more donors and volunteers and generate additional income. Reusable products such as drinking bottles, cooler bags and lunch boxes with your own logo make your mission visible in everyday life. That's both practical and good for your reach. Moreover, you show that your organization consciously chooses less disposable and more reuse. For foundations and charities, sustainable merchandise is therefore much more than just a nice product. It is also a way to bind supporters, spread your story and make your impact tangible.
More impact, visibility and revenue for charities
At Retulp , we help charities and community organizations with reusable products that fit their mission. Think of drinking bottles, cups and lunch products with your own printing or logo. This not only increases your visibility, but also gives supporters something that is actually used. Wondering how sustainable logo products help charities grow?Then read more on our page about why charities are increasingly turning to merchandising..
