Advantages other than environmental benefits

Fatty alcohols, by which the author means those in the range C and above, are split into two classes, petrochemical and oleochemical, or, as they are more usually referred to, synthetic and natural. The discussion of the relative merits of synthetic vs natural products has been at the forefront of surfactant technology for many years and has produced a wealth of literature. It is beyond the scope of this work to discuss whether oleochemicals have an inherent environmental benefit over petrochemicals. A good deal of scientific study on life cycle analysis and macro environmental impact is available but social and ethical arguments, as well as the perceptions of the end consumer, also play a part. On a strictly scientific basis, the author sees no inherent advantage in either source. The performance of a surfactant based on synthetic materials may differ from a naturally derived one but neither is intrinsically better than the other. In terms of impact on humans and the environment, there is also no clear evidence to suggest a difference between the two sources of hydrophobe. 

Over the years innovations in aircraft have given rise to more new plastic developments and have kept the plastics industry profits at a higher level than any other major market principally since they can meet different environmental and load conditions. Virtually all plastics have received the benefit of the aircraft industry s uplifting influence. Practically all conceivable top quality plastics are used to provide cost advantages and improvements... 

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