Trends in industrial usage for vegetable oils — symposium overview

Abstract

Vegetable oils are firmly established components of many industrial products and contribute a small but important share to the oleochemical and chemical industries-about 2% of total organic chemicals produced. The oleochemical industry is a mature one with low profit margins and in need of novel products and product applications, the development of which will require both basic and applied research. Several symposium participants identify areas that could add significantly to existing markets for unmodified vegetable oils, such as a diluent or enhancing agent in the application of pesticides and as an energy or heat source. Others show that considerable potential exists for new chemicals and modified vegetable oils and unique chemicals derived therefrom in value-added products such as coatings, polymers, lubricant additives or food additives, sometimes involving unique oils other than the traditional commodity mix. Without doubt, this is a time for the oleochemicals industry to invest in the future with nontraditional approaches to research and development. The oleochemical industry can and should expand its horizons, but with the realization that vegetable oils will have a lesser role compared to that of other renewable resources, such as wood and agricultural residues.