Oils & Fats International Backgrounders

The food industry is interested in incorporating bioactive ingredients in their products. These ingredients need to be protected from degradation and undesirable interactions with food components, and cannot usually be added directly to food without compromising food quality. Nano- and micro-encapsulation offer solutions to these problems

The essential oils market is expected to experience a major upturn due to demand from new applications. OFI examines what essential oils are and what are their most common sources

The discovery of the genetically modified ‘Triffid’ gene in flaxseed exported from Canada to the EU could have devastated the Canadian flaxseed industry. Since 2009, farmers have struggled to regain profits and reputation as organic growers. As a result of rigourous testing and inspection, the Triffid gene has been virtually eliminated. Along with increased yields, this suggests a positive outlook for the future

In a bid to secure renewable sources of energy, scientists are investigating ever stranger biofuel feedstocks. Fungus, human fat, rabbit corpses – these are just some of the ideas of recent years. OFI looks at the viability and commercialisation of these unexpected feedstocks

Are salt-tolerant halophytes the answer to an aviation industry increasingly focused on renewable fuels? OFI looks at this “game changer” in the biofuels industry and how an ecosystem could be put in place to make it even more sustainable

Is it a drug? Is an energy crop? The growing of hemp is controversial due to its association with cannabis. OFI assesses the properties of hemp seed and oil and the strict regulations surrounding the crop