From oilseeds to industrial products: present and near future of oleochemistry.

In this paper the available technologies for the preparation of oils, fats and their derivatives using oilseeds as raw material are discussed. The current uses of 15 million tonnes per year of fatty products for industrial purposes are described, with particular reference to biodiesel, biolubricants, biosolvents and printing inks. For each product the discussion concerns the state of the art as well as outlook for the future and existing barriers to development. The problem of glycerol production in terms of economic significance and new outlets for surpluses are also discussed. The paper ends with a brief overview of the latest research trends in the field of chemical and technical utilisation of vegetable oils.