It has been announced that Bandai Spirits will be releasing the Gunpla (plastic model) ``ENTRY GRADE 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam [Vintage Color]'' on March 22nd, which uses wood chips as part of its raw materials. Waste wood, such as thinned wood, sawdust from sawmills, and scraps from construction wood, was pulverized and used as part of the raw material for plastics containing wood powder. A resin containing approximately 20% wood flour is used to reduce the proportion of petroleum-based plastic. It is said to be a Gundam model with a faint wood scent. The price is 1650 yen.
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They have also started an initiative to collect used empty cosmetic containers and recycle them as raw materials for Gundam plastic models. Items to be recalled are eyeliner and mascara from D-Nee Cosmetic's cosmetic series ``3650.'' Cosmetic containers are made of iron, and Gunpla will be released to inherit that sense of weight. Approximately 190 Bandai Namco Amusement stores, including Namco, and 3650 stores nationwide will serve as collection points. The prototype "Figure-rise Mechanics Haro" will be exhibited for the first time at the event "HYPER PLAMO Fes.2024" to be held at Makuhari Messe (Mihama Ward, Chiba City) from March 22nd to 24th.
It was also announced that the company will launch "MyPlastic Station," an initiative that will equip trucks with plastic crushers and molding machines to provide recycling experiences at schools and events across the country. A truck is loaded with a special machine that connects a crusher that crushes used runners (plastic model frames) and a molding machine that melts and solidifies the crushed raw materials, and you can see up close how new plastic products are created. It will be unveiled for the first time at "HYPER PLAMO Fes.2024", and participants will be given a recycled plastic measuring stick molded on the spot.