▸ A laccase-mediator treatment removed lignin from whole woody and nonwoody feedstocks. ▸ A high-redox potential laccase and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (as mediator) were used. ▸ This laccase-mediator treatment was combined with an alkaline peroxide extraction. ▸ 2D NMR analyses revealed oxidative removal of lignin aromatic units and side-chains. ▸ The enzymatic pretreatment increased the sugar and ethanol yields. The ability of Trametes villosa laccase, in conjuction with 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT) as mediator and alkaline extraction, to remove lignin was demonstrated during treatment of wood (Eucalyptus globulus) and non-wood (Pennisetum purpureum) feedstocks. At 50Ug−1 laccase and 2.5% HBT concentration, 48% and 32% of the Eucalyptus and Pennisetum lignin were removed, respectively. Two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance of the feedstocks, swollen in dimethylsulfoxide-d6, revealed the removal of p-hydroxyphenyl, guaiacyl and syringyl lignin units and aliphatic (mainly β-O-4′-linked) side-chains of lignin, and a moderate removal of p-coumaric acid (present in Pennisetum) without a substantial change in polysaccharide cross-signals. The enzymatic pretreatment (at 25Ug−1) of Eucalyptus and Pennisetum feedstocks increased the glucose (by 61% and 12% in 72h) and ethanol (by 4 and 2gL−1 in 17h) yields from both lignocellulosic materials, respectively, as compared to those without enzyme treatment.