UKFT-nominated innovator Tera Mira wins H&M Foundation Global Change Award
10/06/2026
The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) is pleased to congratulate Tera Mira, one of the innovations nominated through UKFT’s role as a nominator for the H&M Foundation Global Change Award, on being selected as one of this year’s winners.
Founded by Jeanne Begon-Lours and Lucy Dain-Williams, UK-based Tera Mira is developing a seaweed-derived stretch fibre designed to provide a bio-based alternative to conventional elastane. The innovation addresses a significant challenge for the fashion industry, as even small amounts of elastane can make garments difficult to recycle and limit opportunities for textile-to-textile recycling.
Using a low-temperature, solvent-free wet-spinning process, Tera Mira converts seaweed into stretch fibres that are designed to perform like elastane while reducing reliance on fossil-based materials. The fibre is intended to be compatible with existing spinning equipment and has been developed with end-of-life considerations in mind, supporting biodegradability or fibre separation for recycling.
The founders’ research highlighted elastane as a recurring barrier to circularity. After consulting more than 80 experts across fashion, manufacturing and recycling, they shifted their focus from developing an alternative to polyester to tackling stretch fibres instead.
Their approach also creates potential benefits beyond apparel production. By creating new uses for seaweed, the innovation could provide additional economic opportunities for coastal communities while reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals in fibre production and helping to address microplastic pollution.
Reflecting on the collaborative nature of the challenge, the founders emphasise that transforming the textile industry requires action across the value chain, bringing together scientists, manufacturers, brands, policymakers, communities and consumers to drive change.
UKFT is proud to have supported Tera Mira through the nomination process and to see UK innovation recognised on the global stage. The award highlights the strength of the UK’s sustainable materials ecosystem and the role of innovators in developing practical solutions for a more circular fashion industry.
The UK was also represented in this year’s Global Change Award winners by EntroMetrix, whose technology uses artificial intelligence to create digital twins of manufacturing operations, enabling producers to identify inefficiencies and optimise energy and material use.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners for advancing new ideas that have the potential to reshape the future of fashion and textiles.