Over the past two years SpecialChem4Adhesives readers have dramatically changed their outlook towards adhesives produced from materials obtained from biological sources. As an alternative to petrochemical resources these materials offer a number of advantages. Biomaterials should be largely unaffected by any oil price rises, provide a product with "green" credentials, and offer properties not available to other polymers. Some of the industry's oldest products are based on biological starting materials like starch and protein, so adhesive producers were clearly aware of these advantages.