UKFT member Tera Mira is developing a bio-based alternative to elastane made from seaweed. The company aims to deliver natural stretch without fossil fuels or microplastic pollution, while ensuring compatibility with existing textile machinery. Scroll down to find out more.

Tera Mira was co-founded by Jeanne, with a background in sustainability and fashion, and Lucy, a biomedical engineer specialising in synthetic biology and biomaterials. Together, they bring expertise in sustainable innovation, materials science and the environmental impact of textiles.

Elastane delivers the stretch, fit and comfort that modern garments require, however its petrochemical origins, microplastic shedding and limited recyclability present challenges for sustainable fashion.

‘‘Elastane is the thread that makes clothes move with us, it provides fit, stretch and comfort — yet it’s built on petrochemicals, sheds microplastics and blocks recycling systems. For us, it was crazy to think that this small fibre is blocking the fashion industry’s efforts towards sustainability,’’ the team says.

This challenge inspired Tera Mira to explore a more sustainable approach:

‘‘We asked ourselves: how can we give fashion the stretch it needs, without the damage it doesn’t? That question brought us together. Lucy drives the technical innovation; Jeanne makes sure it answers the industry’s urgent needs.’’

Tera Mira is developing a low-temperature, solvent-free spinning process that avoids toxic chemicals and is designed to integrate into existing textile production lines.

‘‘Designed to be plug-and-play, we are talking early on with mills to ensure compatibility with existing textile machinery.’’

Tera Mira is currently in early-stage laboratory development and working with two UK universities to assess fibre stretch, strength and recovery. Industrial-scale spinning trials are planned for 2026, followed by pilot knitting production.

‘‘Our vision is simple: a commercially viable, bio-based alternative to elastane, delivering stretch without compromise,’’ the team explained.  ‘‘Joining UKFT is an exciting step on this journey. We look forward to connecting with mills, brands, and innovators who share our ambition to unlock a circular, resilient future for fashion!”

Discover Tera Mira online:

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Tera Mira, about joining UKFT:

‘‘UKFT brought us to Vietnam for the VIATT trip, where we got to see the supply chain from the other side of the world and learned a ton along the way. The sustainability team has been brilliant at keeping us informed and connected. Now we’re excited to be part of the UKFT community—to meet more people, spark collaborations, be challenged, and keep getting inspired!’’

Tera Mira is a member of UKFT. Interested in joining the network?

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