Terracle, led by CEO Kibaek Kwon, announced that it will participate in Startup Mahakumbh 2025, which will be held in New Delhi, India, from April 3 to 5.
Founded in 2021, Terracle is a Korean startup developing chemical-recycling technology, or depolymerization, that converts waste plastics and discarded clothing into high-purity raw materials. The company primarily processes composite waste plastics, polyester fibers, and films that have traditionally been difficult to recycle mechanically and were therefore mostly incinerated or landfilled. Through this process, it produces high-purity recycled terephthalic acid (Cr-TPA) and ethylene glycol (Cr-EG).
Because these chemical feedstocks are used across a wide range of industries, including PET and other polyester-based materials, the company says its circular-resource solution can deliver significant industrial value.
At the exhibition, Terracle plans to introduce its low-temperature, atmospheric-pressure hydrolysis-based depolymerization technology and demonstrate the range of waste materials it can process, as well as the industrial value of Cr-TPA and Cr-EG.
Terracle has already demonstrated the scalability of its technology by operating a fully automated continuous depolymerization plant for 18 months with a daily processing capacity of more than one metric ton. After beginning with two pilot plants, it is now expanding to a new facility with an annual capacity of 4,000 metric tons. The company says the facility meets the strict quality standards required by global industries while offering one of the largest Cr-TPA production capacities among existing depolymerization plants.
By applying a low-temperature, atmospheric-pressure process, Terracle's depolymerization plant maintains significantly lower carbon emissions at the same production volume. Its high energy efficiency also reduces environmental impact while helping keep recycled-material prices competitive.
Terracle plans to use these strengths to pursue global partnerships and market-entry opportunities. A company representative said, "To solve specific waste-treatment challenges faced by India and other countries and regions, Terracle will seek joint technology development, technology licensing, and localization partnerships. We also expect to create new business opportunities with companies investing in ESG solutions and circular-waste models."
The representative added, "Our highest-priority goal is to establish a local recycling plant that addresses India's waste-plastic problem and high TPA consumption. By introducing Terracle's chemical-recycling technology to the Indian market, we plan to explore collaboration with local customers and companies in the recycling and chemical industries."
Startup Mahakumbh 2025 is organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and marks the second edition of the startup exhibition. Last year's event attracted approximately 48,000 visitors and 1,300 exhibiting companies, along with prominent Indian figures including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under the theme "Bigger, Better, Bolder," the 2025 event is expected to expand to around 3,000 companies and 50,000 visitors, with exhibitions across 12 sectors including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotech and healthtech, agriculture, and climate technology.
Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development supported the participation of 11 promising Korean startups in Startup Mahakumbh 2025. The companies were selected following preparatory training and evaluation and will promote their technologies and business models through the K-Startup Pavilion while meeting local partners and investors. The participating startups are seeking practical entry and collaboration opportunities in India, while the institute aims to establish a foundation for successful expansion by Korean startups in the market.
