This textbook introduces the industrial production and processing of natural resources. It is divided into six major topics (fats and oils, carbohydrates, lignin, terpenoids, other natural products, biorefinery), which are divided into a total of 20 chapters.

Each chapter is self-contained and therefore a compact learning unit, which can be worked on by students in self-study or presented by lecturers. Clear illustrations, flow diagrams, apparatus drawings and photos facilitate the understanding of the subject matter. All chapters end with a succinct summary, the "Take Home Messages". Each chapter is supplemented by ten short test questions, which can be solved quickly after working through the chapter; the answers are at the end of the book. All chapters contain bibliographical references that focus on essential textbooks and reference works. As a prior knowledge, only basic knowledge of chemistry is required.