Julian Brown: 10 things to know about the missing plastic-to-fuel inventor

Julian Brown is a young American inventor who made headlines worldwide in July 2025 for developing a viral plastic-to-fuel device. Known online as the creator of Plastoline, Brown mysteriously disappeared shortly after warning followers he was “under attack.” Here are 10 essential facts you should know about him:

1. Prodigy Inventor from Metro Atlanta

Julian Brown is a self-taught tech innovator in his early 20s from Metro Atlanta. Though not formally trained as an engineer, he holds welding certifications and began building fuel-related devices from a young age.

2. Creator of Plastoline: A Plastic-to-Fuel Breakthrough

Brown’s invention, Plastoline, uses solar-powered microwave pyrolysis to convert non-recyclable plastic waste into usable fuel like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, sparking hope for global plastic reduction.

3. Viral Environmental Tech Influencer

He rose to prominence through viral videos demonstrating his invention. By July 2025, Julian had over 1.7 million followers on TikTok and Instagram combined, with more than 16 million total likes.

4. He Launched a $1 Million Crowdfunding Campaign

To scale his innovation, Julian launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking $1 million. As of late July, over $18,000 had been raised.

5. Posted Alarming Message Before Vanishing

On July 9, Julian posted a cryptic video stating, “They’re coming for me. If anything happens to me, I was silenced.” He urged fans to screenshot and screen-record his message.

6. Claimed He Was Being Watched

In subsequent posts, Brown mentioned being followed and spotting “black helicopters” near his residence, heightening fears that he was under surveillance due to his invention.

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7. No Official Confirmation of His Whereabouts

Despite public concern, as of July 28, there has been no formal missing person alert or confirmation from Atlanta authorities. His status remains unknown.

8. 776 Foundation Fellow & NatureJab Founder

Julian was a 776 Foundation Climate Fellow and founded NatureJab, a platform for youth-led environmental innovation and advocacy.

9. Survived a Lab Explosion in 2024

In 2024, Brown sustained second-degree burns during a Plastoline explosion. He later recovered and shared safety advice with followers.

10. Some Believe He Was Targeted

Environmental advocates and internet users speculate that Brown’s innovation may have upset powerful stakeholders in energy or recycling sectors, leading to concerns that he was silenced.

Julian Brown’s disappearance is more than just a mystery, it highlights the vulnerability of independent innovators working outside traditional institutions. As the world watches, many hope he is found safe and his invention lives on.