11 amazing products made with oil

When we hear about oil, we immediately think of a black liquid, which generates gasoline and serves as fuel for most automobiles that circulate around the world. However, it represents much more than that.

Marcelo Pita, professor coordinating the Oil and Gas Engineering course at Unimonte, highlights that oil is present in all stages of production today. “Of course, it’s more associated with the fuel area, but the truth is, it’s in every other industry,” he says.

oil shortage

Much is also said about the scarcity of oil. The concern is due to the fact that it is a limited and non-renewable fuel.

“It was spawned millions of years ago, and it hasn’t spawned since. What happens today is that, with new technologies, exploration techniques, some types of oil are still being used a lot”, explains Marcelo Pita. However, it is not possible to stipulate when the oil will run out.

oil and pollution

The professor explains that industries take petroleum derivatives and transform them into plastic, which becomes the material for pharmaceutical, textile and food products, among many others. “All types of plastic are derived from petroleum. It is genetically altered and that is exactly why, in this process, it becomes harmful to the environment,” he says.

However, Marcelo points out, oil should not be seen as something negative, as it is part of our daily lives. “It is a product that society cannot do without. For example, about 50% of a car comes from oil. But this is just an example. It is a good that people need,” he says.

“What is up to people is to look for technologies, new techniques, to transform oil in a way that does not have a harmful impact on the environment”, highlights the professor.

Products made with oil

To get a sense of how oil is present in our lives, check out below a list of 11 surprising products made from this oil, through its derivatives:

1. Food: It seems strange, but petroleum derivatives are used directly (in dyes, preservatives) or indirectly (in artificial fertilizers and pesticides) in food production.

2. Plastic: one of the most well-known uses of petroleum derivatives is the production of plastic, which is present in most people’s daily lives and is found, for example, in water bottles, disposable cups, DVD cases, etc.

3. Chewing gum: few people know, but the chewing gum, which many people consume on a daily basis, also comes from petroleum derivatives.

4. Medicines: once again it seems strange, but oil is very present in the pharmaceutical industry. Many remedies, especially pain relievers and even homeopathic remedies, contain benzene, a petroleum derivative.

5. Cosmetics: perfumes, depilatory waxes, shampoos and conditioners, among other products, are made from petroleum derivatives.

6. Lipstick: widely used by women, this is another product that comes from petroleum products or by-products. In addition to it, Vaseline, one of the petroleum derivatives, is also used as a powerful moisturizer for the lips and a base for lipstick.

7. Asphalt: among the petroleum derivatives are asphalt products. A curiosity is the estimate that there are about 18 million kilometers of paved streets in the world, which corresponds to a significant amount of asphalt (and oil).

9. Cleaning products: petroleum derivatives are also the basis for cleaning products. In addition, most of them are covered in plastic packaging.

10. Wax pencil: this type of product is very successful among children and, who would have thought!, it comes from paraffin, the solid wax made from petroleum.

11. Synthetic fabrics: also derived from petroleum, they are well known; include nylon, acrylic, polyester, and are widely used both in clothing and in products such as curtains and carpets.

But it is worth noting that these are just some of the products that draw the most attention because they are made with oil. As Professor Marcelo Pita pointed out, oil is very present in our lives and is an extremely essential good for society.