Karl Beerenfenger

About Karl Beerenfenger

Karl Beerenfenger is one of the Netherlands’ leading experts on litter and plastic soup, one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. After seven years in window cleaning and as a professional diver, Karl made the transition to ‘plastic soup’ in 2015. He founded a foundation and developed plastic soup projects for companies and governments as an entrepreneur.

Currently, he works at an international environmental organization as a campaign leader and lobbyist focusing on the transition from single-use packaging to reusable alternatives, and on an international ban on plastic cigarette filters. Did you know that the filters are made of plastic and do not make smoking any less harmful? Karl moved from research and awareness at sea to system change in boardrooms with companies, politicians, and governments. He closely follows local, national, and international policy developments. Through lectures, corporate outings, and educational programs, Karl shares his knowledge about plastic soup.

What is Karl’s expertise?
Karl knows the essence of the growing plastic waste problem like no one else. He has conducted years of research on microplastics in Dutch and international waters and has guided dozens of companies and governments in mapping and combating litter. He has also taught thousands of children and young people about plastic soup and helped organizations reduce their plastic footprint.

Plastic soup is a reality that Karl has seen with his own eyes. Even in the Netherlands. Cleaning up is not the answer – the question is: how do we turn off the proverbial tap? Karl takes you through various solutions, from policy at the United Nations to the influence of the individual citizen. In addition to being a content expert, he is also a connector and founder of the largest plastic soup network in the Netherlands, with 136 affiliated organizations and initiatives. In his spare time, he is a board member of the Dutch Elasmobranch Association as a shark enthusiast.

Why book Karl?
With his unique mix of experience at sea, on land, and with policymakers, Karl offers a confronting yet simultaneously inspiring and hopeful story. With a healthy dose of humor, perspective, and self-reflection, he talks about the plastic pollution that is flooding our planet. As a speaker, Karl connects with a variety of audiences. In an energetic and interactive manner, he engages his audience with his authentic story full of in-depth knowledge, insights, and actionable perspectives. Karl takes listeners through the causes, responsibilities, and solutions for plastic soup.
After the lecture, the audience can contribute to so-called system change and reduce their own plastic footprint. Karl is happy to share his own development with you. Once he ‘shot’ cigarette butts on the street, now he lobbies internationally for a cleaner living environment.

For whom?
Karl’s lectures are suitable for a wide range of groups, from top management to operational teams. He can deliver the presentation in both Dutch and English. Karl offers both new insights and a quiz, as well as space for questions and discussion. Work on your sustainability goals by inviting Karl and go home with concrete actions. The lectures are suitable for conferences, corporate meetings, education, and more.