Following the previously released "1/1 Gunpla-kun DX Set" from the 'Gunpla-kun' (ガンプラくん) Gundam peripheral project, launched by Japan's BANDAI SPIRITS Company's Hobby Division to promote the joy of model kit assembly, the latest product, "1/1 Zaku Gunpla-kun," was announced today to be sold exclusively at the major Gundam series event, "GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE -EAST/WEST/DIGITAL-."
The special feature of this product is its use of a tea residue mixed recycled resin, developed in collaboration between Bandai and Ito En. Parts including the head, wrists, and legs contain over 20% tea residue. The amount used in each '1/1 Zaku Gunpla-kun' box is equivalent to the tea residue remaining from producing two 600ml bottles of "Ito En Oi Ocha," not only recreating the Zaku's characteristic green armor but also significantly reducing the use of petroleum-based resin.
Ito En's "Tea Residue Recycling System," launched in 2000, is quite renowned. The company generates nearly 54,000 tons of leftover tea residue annually from manufacturing green tea beverages. While these tea residues offer benefits like deodorizing and antibacterial properties, their high water content makes them prone to spoilage, and they were historically used primarily for compost or feed. To address this, Ito En successfully developed a recycling system that prevents spoilage and has extensively collaborated with various industries to develop recycled materials. Starting with their first recycled product, "tatami mats," they have since launched hundreds of products including various building materials, paper products, resins, artificial turf, and more, thoroughly enhancing the added value of tea products.
In addition to the tea residue mixed recycled resin, the kit also utilizes "LIMEX," a new material made from limestone. The completed "1/1 Zaku Gunpla-kun" faithfully reproduces the adorable chibi proportions from the original work. Similar to the previous Gunpla-kun, its overall articulation is simplified, but it still includes weapons like the Zaku Machine Gun and Heat Hawk for play. Irregular color patches from the mixed tea residue can be seen on the surface of the parts. One wonders if this Zaku Gunpla-kun will emit a pleasant green tea scent?
GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE Exclusive 1/1 Zakupla-kun
參考售價：880 日圓（含稅）
預計發售日期：2023/10/06
商品規格：1/1比例組裝模型
(c)SOTSU・SUNRISE
via： BANDAI HOBBY SITE