RX-78F00/E Gundam (EX-001 G.L.R.S.S. Feather Unit) Chemical Recycle Ver. 1/144

Build a genuinely different interpretation of the legendary RX-78 with the RX-78F00/E Gundam (EX-001 G.L.R.S.S. Feather Unit) Chemical Recycle Ver. 1/144 from Bandai Spirits. This special version combines the futuristic Gundam created for the GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai with Bandai’s ongoing efforts to explore more sustainable methods of producing plastic model kits.

The result is far more than another colour variation. The Chemical Recycle Ver. uses recycled polystyrene material produced through chemical recycling technology, turning recovered plastic into raw material that can be used again for model production.

Combined with the enormous EX-001 G.L.R.S.S. Feather Unit, this makes for an RX-78 that represents both Gundam’s past and a possible future for plastic model manufacturing.

What Is the Chemical Recycle Version?

Bandai’s Chemical Recycle programme takes used polystyrene from sources such as model-kit runners and chemically processes it back into reusable raw materials.

This differs from conventional mechanical recycling, where plastic is simply crushed, melted and remoulded.

Chemical recycling breaks the material down further before it is regenerated, with the aim of producing recycled material suitable for manufacturing new plastic products.

For a hobby built around plastic runners, it’s a particularly interesting idea.

And putting that technology into a futuristic Expo Gundam feels rather appropriate.

The Gundam of Expo 2025

The RX-78F00/E Gundam was developed for the Gundam Next Future Pavilion at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Its full-size counterpart incorporated components from the famous moving RX-78F00 Gundam previously displayed at Gundam Factory Yokohama.

For Expo 2025, the Gundam received a completely new identity and was displayed in a dramatic kneeling pose with one arm reaching towards the sky.

The RX-78F00/E became the centrepiece of the pavilion and one of the most distinctive life-size Gundam displays ever created.

EX-001 G.L.R.S.S. Feather Unit

The defining feature of this model is the enormous EX-001 G.L.R.S.S. Feather Unit attached to the Gundam’s back.

The system transforms the familiar RX-78 silhouette into something far more futuristic.

Large wing-like structures extend outward from the backpack, giving the finished model enormous visual presence despite its compact 1/144 scale.

The Feather Unit incorporates multiple mechanical structures and movable components, allowing the equipment to be arranged in different configurations.

Futuristic Solar-Panel Design

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Feather Unit is its large solar-panel-inspired equipment.

Rather than simply giving the Gundam another set of weapons, the G.L.R.S.S. system was conceived around themes of renewable energy and long-duration operation.

That makes the Chemical Recycle version an especially appropriate pairing.

You have a Gundam carrying futuristic energy-generation technology, produced using material created through an experimental recycling process.

The theme actually makes sense.

Articulated Feather Unit

The EX-001 Feather Unit isn’t simply a fixed backpack.

Its mechanical arms incorporate multiple joints, allowing the large structures to be repositioned around the Gundam.

This provides a wide variety of display possibilities, including:

• Fully deployed Feather configuration
• Folded configuration
• Asymmetrical arrangements
• High-mobility poses
• Solar-panel display poses
• Expo-inspired configurations

The enormous backpack makes an Action Base particularly useful if you want to experiment with more ambitious displays.

Beam Welding Gun

One of the most unusual accessories supplied with the RX-78F00/E is its Beam Welding Gun.

Rather than being purely a battlefield weapon, the equipment fits the technological and construction-oriented concept surrounding this version of the Gundam.

It gives the RX-78F00/E a very different personality from the standard Beam Rifle-equipped RX-78-2.

The Beam Welding Gun can be incorporated into several display configurations, giving builders another distinctive feature to experiment with.

Classic RX-78 Equipment

The futuristic equipment doesn’t mean the traditional Gundam weapons have disappeared.

The RX-78F00/E retains familiar equipment that allows the model to be displayed in a much more conventional Gundam configuration.

This creates a fun contrast.

One minute it’s a futuristic renewable-energy demonstration machine.

The next minute it’s an RX-78 carrying a rifle and shield.

Some things apparently never change.

Multiple Display Configurations

The modular construction gives builders plenty of ways to present the finished model.

Display it as:

• Complete RX-78F00/E with G.L.R.S.S. Feather Unit
• Fully deployed Feather configuration
• Compact Feather configuration
• Beam Welding Gun configuration
• Traditional Gundam combat pose
• Expo-inspired display
• Sustainability-themed showcase

The ability to rearrange the large backpack components means the model can look dramatically different depending on how it’s posed.

A Gunpla with a Different Story

Most Gunpla variants exist because of a different pilot, different battlefield equipment or an alternative colour scheme.

The Chemical Recycle Ver. is interesting for a completely different reason.

Its identity comes from how the plastic itself is produced.

That makes it particularly interesting for collectors of unusual Bandai releases, Gundam Base products, event models and experimental Gunpla manufacturing technologies.

It’s not simply about the Mobile Suit.

The manufacturing process is part of the story.

Perfect for Collectors of EcoPla & Sustainable Gunpla

Bandai Spirits has experimented with several approaches to reducing the environmental impact of plastic model production.

Collectors may already be familiar with projects such as:

• EcoPla
• Recycled runner programmes
• LIMEX-based model components
• Alternative packaging
• Chemical recycling projects

The Chemical Recycle RX-78F00/E fits naturally into that wider history.

For collectors interested in how Gunpla itself is evolving – rather than simply collecting different Mobile Suits – this is an especially interesting release.

Great Customisation Potential

The combination of the RX-78 body and enormous Feather Unit also makes this an excellent custom project.

Try adding:

• Panel lining
• Metallic mechanical details
• Solar-panel detailing
• Custom decals
• Gundam Next Future markings
• Contrasting finishes
• Metallic Beam Welding Gun details
• Custom display base
• Expo 2025-themed diorama

You could also display the Chemical Recycle version alongside the standard RX-78F00/E Feather Unit release to highlight the differences between them.

A Modern Piece of Gundam History

The RX-78F00/E represents another chapter in the history of Japan’s life-size Gundam projects.

From the original Odaiba RX-78-2 to the moving RX-78F00 at Gundam Factory Yokohama, these enormous Gundam installations have become attractions in their own right.

The Expo 2025 RX-78F00/E continued that story while introducing a completely new theme centred around the future.

The Chemical Recycle model adds another layer by connecting that futuristic Gundam with experimental plastic-recycling technology.

Kit Features

• Manufacturer: Bandai Spirits
• Scale: 1/144
• Mobile Suit: RX-78F00/E Gundam
• Version: Chemical Recycle Ver.
• Equipment: EX-001 G.L.R.S.S. Feather Unit
• Associated with the GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION
• Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai design
• Uses chemically recycled polystyrene material
• G.L.R.S.S. Feather Unit included
• Large wing/solar-panel structures
• Articulated Feather Unit support arms
• Multiple display configurations
• Beam Welding Gun equipment
• RX-78-style weapons and accessories
• Interchangeable components
• Colour-separated construction
• Snap-fit assembly
• No glue required
• Painting optional

Why Add the RX-78F00/E Gundam Chemical Recycle Ver. to Your Collection?

The RX-78F00/E Gundam (EX-001 G.L.R.S.S. Feather Unit) Chemical Recycle Ver. 1/144 represents something slightly different in the world of Gunpla.

Yes, it’s another RX-78.

But this one combines three interesting pieces of Gundam history: the legacy of the life-size RX-78F00, the futuristic Gundam created for Expo 2025, and Bandai Spirits’ experiments with chemical recycling technology.

Then there’s the model itself.

The enormous G.L.R.S.S. Feather Unit completely changes the familiar RX-78 silhouette, while its articulated structures and unusual Beam Welding Gun give builders plenty to experiment with after assembly.

For collectors of unusual Gunpla releases, Expo Gundams, RX-78 variants or Bandai’s environmentally focused model-kit projects, this is a fascinating addition to the collection.

A Gundam designed around the future, produced using technology intended to rethink what happens to yesterday’s plastic – the RX-78F00/E Gundam Chemical Recycle Ver. is one of the most unusual RX-78 releases in the modern Gunpla lineup.