SG60 is in full swing, and while there’s been a burst of all things local, one special creation truly caught my eye... and heart. Meet the Fortune Merlion, Singapore’s very first 3D-printed collectible made entirely from recycled plastic bottles!
Brought to life by homegrown art toy brand Uniplay (nurtured by sustainability pioneers Unigons), this isn’t just an adorable keepsake; it’s a meaningful symbol of national pride with an eco-conscious twist. And yes, it’s officially recognised by the Singapore Book of Records too!
♻️ From Waste to Wonder
Each 18cm-tall Fortune Merlion figure is lovingly crafted using 30 recycled PET bottles, which means over 1,800 discarded bottles have been given a second life through this 60-piece blind box collection. Talk about turning trash into treasure!
This incredible creation was made possible by a 100% local dream team:
- Yeo’s contributed used PET bottles from their popular drinks
- PlasticTinkers handled the 3D-printing wizardry
- Greenfinity, part of Unigons, transformed the plastic into high-grade filament
And here’s the fun part - each Fortune Merlion comes in 10 vibrant colours, is individually numbered, and packaged with eco-friendly materials plus a certificate of authenticity. But they’re more than just adorable figurines; these little lions are packed with meaning!
Each one features magnetic charm elements that symbolise values like wealth, longevity, and romance, with a playful magnetic “bubble” at the mouth representing flowing water, which is a cheeky, auspicious nod to abundance and prosperity.
Even the serial numbers get a clever twist! Those so-called “unlucky” numbers like 4 or 14 are reimagined with positive Chinese wordplay, giving the design a thoughtful, culturally rich touch. Smart and super cute, don’t you think?
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A Collector’s Dream with Purpose
The Fortune Merlion was designed by Joe Chua, co-founder of Unigons and Uniplay, who got inspired during his travels in Europe and the Middle East. He noticed how tourist keepsakes overseas were shifting towards sustainable design, and he knew Singapore could do the same.
“Singapore saw over 15 million tourists last year, but how many souvenirs tell our story and help the planet?” Joe shared. “The Fortune Merlion is proudly made here and made from what we usually throw away.”
Where to Get Yours
You can get your hands on this exclusive collectible starting 25 July 2025 at BLAXK by ActionCity, one of Singapore’s most iconic toy retailers. And here’s a fun bonus - ActionCity is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year too, so it’s the perfect time to drop by and pick up a piece of local creativity and culture!
But that’s not all! Keep your eyes peeled for the Pop Toy Show 2025 that's happening at Marina Bay Sands from 22 to 24 August, where Uniplay will be unveiling a special edition Fortune Merlion just for the event! I’m eager to see what it looks like!
[UPDATE] Final Drop & Sneak Peek of the Next Edition!
Following the buzz around the Fortune Merlion’s first drop, there are some new exciting updates to share!
The original 60-piece blind box series is nearly sold out, with just 15 units left, and they’ll be released exclusively to walk-in customers at BLAXK by ActionCity on 25 July. If you’ve been eyeing one of these eco-collectibles, this is your last chance to snag one from the first-ever batch!
To celebrate the occasion, a certificate presentation ceremony will be held to recognise the Fortune Merlion as Singapore’s first 3D-printed collectible made from recycled plastic bottles, as awarded by the Singapore Book of Records. This will happen at 11 AM on 25 July, alongside a special preview of Uniplay’s next drop - the Fortune Merlion “LoveSG” edition!
You can meet the creators from 11 AM to 12:30 PM, hear the story behind the design, and get a first look at the next evolution of this iconic art toy. The “LoveSG” edition is now open for online pre-order on Uniplay’s website, and in-person pre-orders begin on 25 July too. Collection for this new version will start from mid-August, just in time for National Day!
Small But Mighty: A New National Icon
The Fortune Merlion is more than a toy — it’s a symbol of what a sustainable Singapore can look like. Uniplay and Unigons are already working on future collaborations with other local brands to keep this eco-art movement going strong. From art toys to everyday products, they’re building a circular design ecosystem that’s proudly made right here in SG.
Whether you’re a toy collector, a Merlion fan, or someone who loves eco-friendly design, the Fortune Merlion is definitely one to watch (and own!).
Find out more:
Let’s celebrate SG60 with meaningful mementos that make a difference! Are you ready to bring a Fortune Merlion home?
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