This paper describes the novel and innovative use of a mixture of hydrazine and hydroxylamine to prepare one of the first solid state Fenton’s catalysts where the active site does not leach out and is therefore reusable enabling industrial take-up. It resulted in an ongoing series of papers, 4 grants totalling £2million, and the award or filing of 5 patents. The catalyst is in field trials with Severn Trent Water for the removal of microcontaminats to meet new EU legislation. A similar process applied to low-value wool fibres (as patented by KDH) is likely to result in improved rural sustainability.