Global prospectives of fats and oils uses. Present and future

The paper shows current overview and the perspectives related to the production of oilseeds, fats and oils as well as the consumption of them. The study is based on the evolution of several variables such as changes in population, policies, incomes, prices, availability of natural resources (land for agriculture) and environmental impact. With respect to technology, the work comments the possible influences of biotechnology transportation systems, milling, and some transformations for specific uses. Among the promising uses of vegetable oils the following are mentioned: utilization as biodiesel, adhesives, biodegradable plastics, printing inks, lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids or, even, new tendencies in the area of nutrition (foods with pharmacological effects).