Catalysis has a rich history of facilitating energy-efficient, selective molecular transformations and contributes to 90% of current chemical manufacturing processes. In a postpetroleum era, catalysis will be pivotal in overcoming the scientific and engineering barriers to economically feasible processes for bioderived feedstocks to fuels and chemicals. Biomass comprises highly functional oxygenated molecules whose valorisation requires catalysts with tunable acid–base and redox properties which are able to affect selective transformations of carbonyl, alcohol and carboxylic acid functions. Layered double hydroxides of the general formula [M2+(1-x).M3+x(OH)2]x+.[An-x/n.zH2O]x− are attractive catalysts for biomass conversion owing to their tunable composition and structure. This opinion discusses recent developments in the application of layered double hydroxides for biomass valorisation.