Atlanta Innovator, Known for Plastoline, Explains Social Media Silence Amid Safety Concerns

August 3, 2025

Atlanta, Georgia - Julian Brown, the 21-year-old Atlanta-based inventor and influencer known as Naturejab, has broken his nearly month-long social media silence with a new Instagram post alongside his mother, Nia Brown, addressing widespread concerns about his whereabouts. The young entrepreneur, celebrated for his groundbreaking Plastoline technology that converts plastic waste into fuel, had sparked alarm among his 1.8 million Instagram followers after posting a cryptic video on July 9, 2025, claiming he was “under attack” and subsequently going offline.

In the new Instagram video posted on August 2, 2025, Brown appeared with his mother to clarify the reasons behind his absence. “I know a lot of you were worried, and I’m so grateful for your support,” Brown said in the clip. “I had to lay low for a bit due to some security concerns tied to my work. It wasn’t about disappearing—it was about staying safe while I kept pushing forward with Plastoline and Naturejab.” Nia Brown added, “Julian is safe, and we’re so thankful for everyone who reached out. We couldn’t share much earlier for his safety, but he’s here, still working to change the world.”

The announcement follows weeks of speculation and concern from fans, who flooded social media with calls for investigations into Brown’s whereabouts, some even tagging FBI officials. Brown’s last post on July 9 had fueled fears, with the inventor stating, “I can’t go into too much detail, but there is some very, very odd stuff going on. I’m certainly under attack right now in many different ways.” Earlier posts, including one on July 3 claiming a “secret helicopter” was circling him, intensified theories that his innovative work on converting plastic waste into fuels like gasoline and diesel had made him a target.

Brown, a self-taught innovator and founder of Naturejab, has garnered attention for his microwave pyrolysis technology, which he claims can transform plastic waste into usable fuels. Recognized as a 776 Climate Fellow and featured in Forbes, Brown also received a $100,000 grant from Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. His GoFundMe campaign, “Support Solar-Powered Plastic to Fuel Invention,” has raised over $30,000, with donations surging during his absence.

In the recent video, Brown did not elaborate on the specific threats he faced but emphasized his commitment to his mission. “I’m back, and I’m not stopping,” he said. “We’re making big moves with Plastoline, and I’ll keep sharing updates safely.” He also acknowledged a past lab accident in 2024 that left him with second-degree burns, underscoring the risks he’s faced in developing his technology.

Nia Brown, who previously confirmed her son’s safety to the Daily Mail on July 28, reiterated that the decision to go silent was precautionary. “We had to prioritize Julian’s security,” she said in the video. “Thank you for keeping him in your prayers.” The Atlanta Police Department had previously stated it was not investigating any missing persons case related to Brown, aligning with Nia’s earlier assurances.

Fans expressed relief in the comments section of the post, with one writing, “So glad you’re okay, Julian! Keep changing the world.” Others urged him to stay safe while continuing his work. Brown’s return to social media marks a new chapter for the young inventor, whose Plastoline technology continues to draw global interest for its potential to address plastic pollution and energy challenges.

As Brown resumes sharing his journey, his followers and supporters await further updates on his innovative projects, hopeful that his vision for a sustainable future remains unstoppable.