They needed to make new molds because these are smaller than the beads they have made before and the beads grow on trees that use much more plastic than the beads themselves, so it seems like they could have made the trees smaller, and at least saved one step.
They needed to snip each side of the tiny beads and it took 4 people days to complete the order, which fit in a small tub, while the trees covered their workbench.
Why didn't they shred the trees as soon as there was enough for a batch?
They collected it for their most popular color, Leftover.
Actually, they call it Nebula: