AbstractIn this paper the available technologies for the preparation of oils, fats and their derivatives using oil seeds as a starting material are discussed. Currently, 15 million tonnes per year of fatty products are used for industrial purposes, and their applications are discussed with particular reference to biodiesel, biolubricants, biosolvents, and printing inks. For each product, the discussion concerns the state of the art as well as the prospects for the future, and existing barriers to development. Also, the problem of glycerol production in terms of both economic significance and new outlets for surplus production is discussed. The paper ends with a brief overview of recent trends in research in the field of chemical and technical utilisation of vegetable oils.