September 15, 2023
Upcycling Used Tea Leaves from Producing Oi Ocha! 1/1 Zakupla-kun, a Gunpla Containing Used Tea Leaves, is Here!
BANDAI SPIRITS and Ito En collaborate! A plastic model kit with a slight scent of tea!
BANDAI SPIRITS and Ito En collaborate to release 1/1 Zakupla-kun, the first Gundam series plastic model kit that uses resin made from upcycled used tea leaves that come from producing green tea beverages.
The 1/1 Zakupla-kun is a plastic model kit with a slight scent of tea, containing used tea leaves from producing roughly two 600ml bottles of Oi Ocha Green Tea.
With over 20% of resin that contains used tea leaves for the head, arm, and leg parts, they have reduced the usage of petroleum-based plastic.
The kit will be available online in the Gundam Metaverse at the DIGITAL venue of the GUDNAM NEXT FUTURE -EAST/WEST/DIGITAL-, a large-scale event held from Friday, October 6, so don’t miss out on this chance to get it.
The 1/1 Zakupla-kun is a plastic model kit with a slight scent of tea, containing used tea leaves from producing roughly two 600ml bottles of Oi Ocha Green Tea.
With over 20% of resin that contains used tea leaves for the head, arm, and leg parts, they have reduced the usage of petroleum-based plastic.
The kit will be available online in the Gundam Metaverse at the DIGITAL venue of the GUDNAM NEXT FUTURE -EAST/WEST/DIGITAL-, a large-scale event held from Friday, October 6, so don’t miss out on this chance to get it.
GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE Limited 1/1 Zakupla-kun
Going on sale Friday, October 6, 2023.
[Price] 880 JPY (tax included)
[Size] Roughly 80mm tall
⇒Check the GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE -EAST/WEST/DIGITAL- Official Website for details about the sale.
*Shipping fee is excluded.
*Since the used tea leaves are natural, their scent tends to diminish over time and depending on storage conditions.
*The kit may be available at later events and THE GUNDAM BASE stores.
Going on sale Friday, October 6, 2023.
[Price] 880 JPY (tax included)
[Size] Roughly 80mm tall
⇒Check the GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE -EAST/WEST/DIGITAL- Official Website for details about the sale.
*Shipping fee is excluded.
*Since the used tea leaves are natural, their scent tends to diminish over time and depending on storage conditions.
*The kit may be available at later events and THE GUNDAM BASE stores.
Development Background
BANDAI SPIRITS is pursuing initiatives to replace petroleum-based plastics with new materials in their plastic model kits. They have collaborated with partner companies to develop and release resins that can be applied to plastic model kits, utilizing a new material derived from limestone called LIMEX and Eggshell Plastic.
In 2001, Ito En established the Used Tea Leaves Recycling System, their proprietary technology to upcycle used tea leaves from producing green tea beverages such as Oi Ocha. With the expansion of green tea beverages sales, the amount of used tea leaves from the production has been increasing by the year, with roughly 58,000 tons in the fiscal year 2022. They have been actively promoting research and development to effectively utilize beverage residues like used tea leaves in industrial products and have developed approximately 100 upcycle products from used tea leaves.
The 1/1 Zakupla-kun was developed with the support of Ito En, which subscribes to BANDAI SPIRITS’ goals to reduce the use of petroleum-based plastic and decrease CO2 emissions.
In 2001, Ito En established the Used Tea Leaves Recycling System, their proprietary technology to upcycle used tea leaves from producing green tea beverages such as Oi Ocha. With the expansion of green tea beverages sales, the amount of used tea leaves from the production has been increasing by the year, with roughly 58,000 tons in the fiscal year 2022. They have been actively promoting research and development to effectively utilize beverage residues like used tea leaves in industrial products and have developed approximately 100 upcycle products from used tea leaves.
The 1/1 Zakupla-kun was developed with the support of Ito En, which subscribes to BANDAI SPIRITS’ goals to reduce the use of petroleum-based plastic and decrease CO2 emissions.
Utilization of plastic alternatives by BANDAI SPIRITS.
BANDAI SPIRITS utilizes plastic alternatives for their plastic model kits.
The 1/1 Gunpla-kun DX Set used LIMEX, a material based on limestone, and decreased the use of petroleum-based plastics.
Also, the GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE Limited ENTRY GRADE RX-78-2 Gundam [Classic Color] utilizes eggshell plastic made from eggshells that would otherwise be disposed of as industrial waste.
Both kits reduced petroleum-based plastics by combining polyester resin and new materials.
At BANDAI SPIRITS’ plastic model kit production factory, Bandai Hobby Center in Shizuoka-shi, they actively promote sustainable manufacturing, such as incorporating next-generation materials as plastic alternatives and utilizing recycled materials through the GUNPLA Recycling Project.
The 1/1 Gunpla-kun DX Set used LIMEX, a material based on limestone, and decreased the use of petroleum-based plastics.
Also, the GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE Limited ENTRY GRADE RX-78-2 Gundam [Classic Color] utilizes eggshell plastic made from eggshells that would otherwise be disposed of as industrial waste.
Both kits reduced petroleum-based plastics by combining polyester resin and new materials.
At BANDAI SPIRITS’ plastic model kit production factory, Bandai Hobby Center in Shizuoka-shi, they actively promote sustainable manufacturing, such as incorporating next-generation materials as plastic alternatives and utilizing recycled materials through the GUNPLA Recycling Project.
GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE -EAST/WEST/DIGITAL- Event Details
[Event Dates and Locations]
- Tokyo Venue (EAST) -
[Date] Friday, October 6 to Monday, October 9, 2023
・Friday, 6th: Noon to 8:00 PM
・Saturday, 7th / Sunday, 8th: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
・Monday, 9th: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
*Last entry for all dates is 30 minutes before closing.
[Location] Sankaku Hiroba, Shinjuku Sumitomo Building ( 2-6-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
- Osaka Venue (WEST) -
[Date] Saturday, October 14 to Monday October 16, 2023
・Saturday, 14th / Sunday, 15th: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
・Monday, 16th: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Location] Grand Front Osaka (3 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka)
- DIGITAL Venue -
[Date] 1:00 PM, Friday, October 6 to 10:00 AM, Tuesday, October 17 (not yet fixed)
*The opening and closing times may change.
Product sales start at 6:00 PM, Friday, October 6, 2023.
*Some items start their sale at a different time.
*The time displayed on the U.S.A. page may differ.
[User Fee] Free
[Location] Inside the Gundam Metaverse
*Please refer to the above page for details on terms and conditions, usage instructions, and system requirements.
[Supported Areas(Language)] Japan (Japanese) / United States of America (English)
[Entry Fee]
Free
[Admission Benefits (EAST/WEST)]
A GUNPLA-kun Special Eco Bag Set (not for sale) will be distributed at the Tokyo and Osaka venues.
<Content>
・GUNPLA-kun Special Eco Bag
・GUNDAM BUILD SERIES 10th Anniversary Special Book (24 pages)
・Ecopla 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Assembly Workshop Ver.
・GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE -EAST/WEST/DIGITAL- Original Design GUNPLA Stand Sticker (Compatible with Acton Base 6)
・GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE -EAST/WEST/DIGITAL- SPECIAL BOOKLET (24 pages)
・Arcade Card Game Mobile Suit Gundam Arsenal Base Promotion Card (Advanced release)
etc.
- Tokyo Venue (EAST) -
[Date] Friday, October 6 to Monday, October 9, 2023
・Friday, 6th: Noon to 8:00 PM
・Saturday, 7th / Sunday, 8th: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
・Monday, 9th: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
*Last entry for all dates is 30 minutes before closing.
[Location] Sankaku Hiroba, Shinjuku Sumitomo Building ( 2-6-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
- Osaka Venue (WEST) -
[Date] Saturday, October 14 to Monday October 16, 2023
・Saturday, 14th / Sunday, 15th: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
・Monday, 16th: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Location] Grand Front Osaka (3 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka)
- DIGITAL Venue -
[Date] 1:00 PM, Friday, October 6 to 10:00 AM, Tuesday, October 17 (not yet fixed)
*The opening and closing times may change.
Product sales start at 6:00 PM, Friday, October 6, 2023.
*Some items start their sale at a different time.
*The time displayed on the U.S.A. page may differ.
[User Fee] Free
[Location] Inside the Gundam Metaverse
*Please refer to the above page for details on terms and conditions, usage instructions, and system requirements.
[Supported Areas(Language)] Japan (Japanese) / United States of America (English)
[Entry Fee]
Free
[Admission Benefits (EAST/WEST)]
A GUNPLA-kun Special Eco Bag Set (not for sale) will be distributed at the Tokyo and Osaka venues.
<Content>
・GUNPLA-kun Special Eco Bag
・GUNDAM BUILD SERIES 10th Anniversary Special Book (24 pages)
・Ecopla 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Assembly Workshop Ver.
・GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE -EAST/WEST/DIGITAL- Original Design GUNPLA Stand Sticker (Compatible with Acton Base 6)
・GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE -EAST/WEST/DIGITAL- SPECIAL BOOKLET (24 pages)
・Arcade Card Game Mobile Suit Gundam Arsenal Base Promotion Card (Advanced release)
etc.
*While we have prepared a sufficient number of admission benefits, there is a limit to the distribution supply.
*Due to product specifications, admission benefits are designated for ages 8 and above.
*Each guest is eligible for only one admission benefit.
*Due to product specifications, admission benefits are designated for ages 8 and above.
*Each guest is eligible for only one admission benefit.
*All of the schedules and contents of GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE -EAST/WEST/DIGITAL- events are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
*Depending on the congestion level, admission to the venue and each area may be restricted. Please note that various restrictions may be placed as necessary to prevent accidents and congestion.
*We are not responsible for costs or losses (including transportation and accommodation expenses) in the event of cancellation or changes due to natural disasters, weather conditions, the COVID-19 pandemic, accidents caused by third parties, theft, and other troubles that occur within or outside the event venues.
*Please check the GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE -EAST/WEST/DIGITAL- official website for precautions when participating in the events at the venues.
*All images are for illustrative purposes.
*Depending on the congestion level, admission to the venue and each area may be restricted. Please note that various restrictions may be placed as necessary to prevent accidents and congestion.
*We are not responsible for costs or losses (including transportation and accommodation expenses) in the event of cancellation or changes due to natural disasters, weather conditions, the COVID-19 pandemic, accidents caused by third parties, theft, and other troubles that occur within or outside the event venues.
*Please check the GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE -EAST/WEST/DIGITAL- official website for precautions when participating in the events at the venues.
*All images are for illustrative purposes.
*Event schedule and content may be changed or canceled without prior notice.
*There will be no merchandise sales at the Tokyo and Osaka venues.
*There will be no merchandise sales at the Tokyo and Osaka venues.
* This article was originally published in Japan. Availability & timing may vary by region.
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