Isaac Nichelson, (47), who grew up in Jacksonville and attended Jacksonville Elementary School and McLoughlin Middle School, has made a big impact on the world. The self-described “college dropout turned entrepreneur,” is CEO of Circular Systems S.P.C. (Social Purpose Corporation). Isaac’s extremely proud parents, Candice Nichelson and Greg Billingsley, reside on South 3rd Street in Jacksonville.
Speaking about his years growing up and attending school here, Isaac says that Jacksonville’s Larry Smith, then his 5th-grade teacher, was by far the greatest teacher he ever had. “Mr. Smith fostered my creative ability and gave me the confidence to use my talents out in the world.”
Based in the Malibu/Los Angeles area, SPC is a materials science company, focusing on converting agricultural, industrial and post-consumer waste into high-value textile fibers for the fashion industry.
The firm was recently named as the first place winner (out of 2600 entrants) of the 2018 “Global Change Award,” which recognizes the most exciting sustainable fashion developments. At a ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden, the $350,000 prize/grant money was awarded on the same stage as the Nobel Prize!
Speaking to the significance of the award, Isaac noted that, “In 1960, 97% of our fibers came from plants and animals. Today, that number is approximately 35%.” Circular Systems, he explained, uses food-crop waste left after the harvesting of food crops to generate food-crop fiber.
“Food crop waste is often burned or left to rot, releasing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and methane gas into the atmosphere. By creating a low-cost, closed loop bio-refinery system, this process also brings additional income to farmers, turning their crop residues into more income,” Isaac added.
He explained further how the impact of winning the Global Change Award will affect this sector, saying that, “Winning the Global Change Award means we can now propel this important technology much faster into scaled production.”
Isaac said that at some point, he and his family hope to relocate back to the Rogue Valley and that the food fiber technology will play a part. Due to the increased production of industrial hemp in Southern Oregon, Isaac sees great potential utilizing post-production hemp fiber waste at Circular Systems. “Within 5 years, the use of food crop fiber worldwide will be something making an impact on the traditional, cotton-dominated fiber supply chain…it could make a big economic impact on farming in the valley.”
Featured image is of Greg Billingsley, Isaac Nichelson, Isaac’s daughter, Valentina, and Candice Nichelson celebrate the holidays last year at their home on 3rd Street.