Sometimes even one single lecture can open a students' eyes and it suddenly becomes crystal clear where the journey is heading. This was the case for Thomas Forster whilst studying the Digital Media and Communication Master's programme at University of Applied Sciences Burgenland. "Since I tool the 'Business Plan' course during my degree programme, I've known that I want to become a founder. The course on green marketing then inspired me even more," says the founder and Marketing Director of the company re:flair.

re:flair focuses on repurposing.

The start-up supports their customers in creating a sustainability strategy, optimising processes within the company, upcycling/recycling company materials and communicating sustainability.

Thomas is primarily responsible for customer acquisition and marketing and develops a communication strategy together with the companies. "It's great for the environment what the company is doing. It's even better for the company when others find out about it," he explains.

His academic career took him from a Bachelor's degree in Economics at the Vienna University of Applied Sciences to a Master's degree in Digital Media and Communication at the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland .

Thomas is joined in this endeavour by his two co-founders Tom Kessler and Konstanze Gruber, who is also a designer.

"We have a good network and have our products produced in facilities where people with disabilities are given a job under fair conditions, such as the Kümmerei." The goal: "From 2025, we want to be able to make a living from re:flair. Interest in our services is seasonal, but we expect the implementation of the Green Deal in the EU to be an important factor."

How did the idea come about?

"The idea was actually sparked by my passion for diving. I've seen too often that pollution and waste end up where they shouldn't." The idea of what can be made from old things currently includes textiles, but re:flair also wants to use plastic in the near future.