Lignocellulosic biomass is considered as a sustainable and potentially renewable resourse alternative to fossil fuels. Research into developing novel and innovative means to harness lignocellulosic biomass for fuels, energy, and materials has increased in the past decade as it has become clear that developing technologies must center around the mitigation of climate change. This article outlines recent advances in pretreating biomass, including using kraft pulping, organosolv, and ionic liquid methods, to produce biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biomaterials.