Lignocellulosic materials are the most abundant renewable resource in the world and their efficient utilization provides a practical route to maintain social sustainable development. Application of ionic liquids has opened new avenues for the efficient utilization of lignocellulosic materials in such areas as fractionation, preparation of cellulose composites and derivatives, analysis, and removal of pollutants. However, there are still many challenges in putting these potential applications into practical use, for example, the high price of ionic liquids and lack of basic physico-chemical and toxicological data. Further research and financial support are required to address such challenges. (c) 2008 Society of Chemical Industry.