Learn about the products made from oil and natural gas, from clothing and electronics to medical devices, and see how they shape modern living.
Products made from oil and natural gas
Fossil fuels provide the world with more energy than any other source. However, they offer much more than energy. There are over 6,000 products made from oil and natural gas, including clothes, medicine, electrical devices, toys, and much more. Our article covers some of the most interesting products made from petrochemicals.
Fossil fuels provide more than just energy
Our global energy demand is constantly growing. In 2022, global energy consumption reached almost 180,000 TWh, marking a 63% growth over three decades. Fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal) provide the most energy among all sources.
Our modern life would not be the same without these time-tested, reliable, and efficient energy sources. However, they offer much more than power. Petrochemicals, special chemicals derived from oil and natural gas, are indispensable for the manufacturing of many products. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, oil and natural gas are essential for manufacturing more than 6,000 products.
Products made from oil and natural gas
"Fossil fuel" rarely brings to mind toothpaste, aspirin, or sunglasses. Yet, these everyday items are often made from oil and natural gas. Our exploration of the U.S. Department of Energy's infographics uncovers fascinating products stemming from petrochemicals.
Household and everyday items
Take a glance at your desk, cupboard, or shelf. Most likely, you could find a handful of products produced with petrochemicals. Let's explore the most interesting ones.
Household and everyday items made from oil and natural gas:
- Adhesive
- Air mattresses
- Awnings
- Backpacks
- Ballpoint pens
- Bandages
- Beach umbrellas
- Candles
- Clothesline
- Combs
- Curtains
- Credit cards
- Drinking cups
- Ice buckets
- Ice chests
- Ice cube trays
- Pajamas
- Paint brushes
- Paint roller
- Pillow filling
- Sunglasses
Cosmetic and medical products
Cosmetic and medical products often derive from oil and natural gas. Without fossil fuels, some of the most fundamental medical and cosmetic products would not be available.
Cosmetic and medical products made from oil and natural gas:
- Antihistamines
- Antiseptics
- Aspirin
- Cortisone
- Deodorant
- Denture adhesives
- Dentures
- Hair coloring
- Hair curlers
- Hand lotion
- Hearing aids
- Heart valves
- Lipstick
- Nail polish
- Shampoo
- Shaving cream
- Soap dishes
- Toothpaste
Electronics and technology
Petrochemicals are extremely important in the manufacturing of electrical devices, including the one on which you are reading this article.
Electronic products made from oil and natural gas:
- Cameras
- Car battery cases
- Cell phones
- CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray disks
- Computer keyboards
- Computer monitors
- Laptops
- Loudspeakers
- Solar panels
- Smartphones
- Telephones
- TV cabinets
- Printers
- Pendrives
Sports and outdoor equipment
While footballs, kayaks, and skis do not seem to have anything in common with fossil fuels, they are all produced with petrochemicals.
Sports and outdoor equipment made from petrochemicals:
- Boats
- Fishing boots
- Fishing lures
- Footballs
- Golf bags
- Golf balls
- Hula hoops
- Kayaks
- Life jackets
- Roller skate wheels
- Skateboards
- Skis
- Surfboards
- Swimming pools
- Tennis rackets
- Tents
Automotive and industrial products
When it comes to automotive and industrial products, there could be an endless list of possible applications. Let's see some examples!
Automotive and industrial products made from petrochemicals:
- Antifreeze
- Asphalt
- Car enamel
- Caulking
- Epoxy paint
- Fan belts
- Faucet washers
- Fuel tanks
- Glue
- Insulation
- Oil filters
- Roofs
- Rubber cement
- Synthetic rubber
- Tires
- Toolboxes
- Tool racks
- Tubing
- Truck and automobile parts
- Vinyl flooring
Other everyday objects
The list could be endless, but we have to draw the line somewhere. Still, these items could not be missed from the article.
Other everyday objects made from petrochemicals:
- Balloons
- Candies and gum
- Cassettes
- Cellophane tape
- Clothes
- Coffee makers
- Crayons
- Dice
- Dog collars
- Dyes
- Ink
- Packaging
- Perfumes
- Plastic toys
- Purses
- Safety glasses
- Toothbrushes
- Trash bags
- Umbrellas
- Yarn
FAQ
Are products made from natural gas environmentally friendly?
Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel with a relatively low ecological impact compared with oil, or coal. Thus, products made from natural gas are usually considered environmentally friendly.
Are products made from oil safe to use?
Yes, products made from oil are strictly tested and safe to use.
Conclusion
Countless everyday items, essential for modern life, derive from fossil fuels. Through these products, we experience unparalleled safety and comfort. Our list merely scratches the surface of products made with petrochemicals. For further insights, follow our page for regular updates on energy-related topics.