ABSTRACT
The importance of developing sustainable products and practices is being recognized more so today than ever because of concerns over a global dependence on petroleum feedstocks. Crude oil has proven to be a very versatile, abundant, and valuable feedstock. While fuel continues to be the primary product made from crude oil, approximately 16%–20% is used for other products including plastics, fertilizers, chemicals, detergents, lubricants, pesticides, paints, etc. [1]. In fact, the value of petroleum in nonfuel products has led some to lament that petroleum is much too valuable a resource to simply burn as a fuel source. Reducing our dependency on petroleum feedstocks will be extremely challenging not only because of the vast amounts of petroleum consumed but also because of its historically low cost and versatility in making a host of products.
