When Your Water Bottle Turns into Collectible Art
In Singapore, they've found the perfect way to combine collecting with ecology: 3D Merlion figures made from recycled PET bottles ♻️. The startup Unigons has created a limited series where each sculpture requires no less than 30 bottles of plastic, proving that yesterday's trash can be tomorrow's treasure (literally, because these pieces are limited edition) 🦁.
"It's not the cheapest or fastest method, but transforming discarded plastic into valuable art is what motivates us," explains Joe Chua, co-founder of Unigons.
The Process: From Bottle to 3D Filament
Behind each figure is a meticulous process that includes:
- Cleaning and transformation: 30 bottles per figure turned into filament
- Digital design: Modeling in Blender and ZBrush
- Mass printing: 50+ 3D printers working simultaneously
- Included surprise: 6 amulets with hidden Chinese characters
Why Pay for Recycled Plastic?
The 60 unique figures (in 10 color variants) come in blind boxes, those mystery boxes that drive collectors crazy. Although the price is higher than virgin plastic, each piece:
- Raises the value of recycled plastic from cents to $50/kg
- Measures 18cm with a design that blends tradition and modernity
- Includes that "wow" touch with its secret compartment
So the next time you see a plastic bottle, imagine it turned into a limited edition sculpture. Because in the world of sustainable 3D design, even your least favorite soda can have a glamorous second life... even if it still doesn't taste good 😉.