Gundam: IBO's Exclusive Eco-Friendly Gunpla Kit Joins Bandai's Gundam Summer Fest 2026

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One of Gundam’s more environmentally conscious Master Grade releases has made a rare appearance online in the US, with the MG 1/100 Gundam Barbatos [Recirculation Color/Neon Blue] now available to pre-order through Premium Bandai US as part of Gundam Summer Fest 2026.

Normally only available at Gundam Base stores and limited events, the distinctive black and neon blue Barbatos is among the large selection of Gundam Base and event-exclusive Gunpla temporarily being offered online during this year’s US summer event.

This release is part of Bandai’s ECOPLA initiative, which turns recycled plastic into new model kits as part of the wider Gunpla Recycling Project.

Bandai collects used Gunpla runners and plastic waste from the model production process, with material recycling allowing the plastic to be crushed, melted and turned into pellets that can then be used to produce new ECOPLA kits.

The approach means this version of Gundam Barbatos is more than a simple recolor, using recycled materials while visually representing Bandai’s push toward more sustainable Gunpla production.

Its Recirculation Color appearance replaces the familiar white armor of Mikazuki Augus’ Gundam Barbatos with predominantly black parts, contrasted by vivid neon blue sections that emphasize areas including the shoulders, chest and legs.

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The combination of recycled black plastic and bright fluorescent-style accent colors has become the signature look of Bandai’s Recirculation Color range, creating an appearance designed to visually represent the idea of sustainable circulation.

Underneath that special color treatment is the engineering of the regular MG 1/100 Gundam Barbatos, including a detailed recreation of the Gundam Frame that gives the model much of the exposed mechanical appearance seen throughout Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.

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Silver-finished cylinders and extensive mechanical detailing are incorporated throughout the frame, while the chest includes rotating Ahab Reactors and the upper body, shoulders and knees use linked movement to create more natural articulation during aggressive combat poses.

Barbatos also retains its substantial weapon selection, with a mace, long sword and 300mm smoothbore gun covering the heavy close-range and ranged equipment associated with its Fourth Form.

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The mace includes sliding elements in its grip and tip, while the 300mm smoothbore gun incorporates sliding and folding mechanisms that allow its configuration to be changed for different displays.

Combined with the exposed Gundam Frame and stark Recirculation Color scheme, these features make the kit particularly distinctive compared with the standard MG Barbatos, while its recycled construction gives the alternate colors a purpose beyond simply creating another limited-edition variant.

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The MG 1/100 Gundam Barbatos [Recirculation Color/Neon Blue] is available to pre-order through Premium Bandai US for $69.00 ahead of scheduled shipping in September 2026.

There is a catch, however, as Premium Bandai is set to close pre-orders in just a few days at 2:59 AM EDT on August 24, leaving collectors with a particularly short window to secure the kit before Gundam Summer Fest comes to an end.