While room temperature ionic liquids have been of interest for over 20 years, their widespread application to large-scale processes has been precluded mainly by the high cost and environmental compatibility. This talk discusses ways of making novel solvents out of components that are naturally available. The liquids are not only cheap and easy to make, but non-toxic and even biodegradable. This talk discusses in very general terms the application of these liquids to large scale processes such as metal plating, ore processing and bio-diesel purification along with some of the pitfalls of commercialising technology from University spin-out projects.