Sustainable innovation is shaping the future of industries, and Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking’s (Nedbank CIB) latest transaction involving PlusNet, Peninsula Packaging and Barrier Film Convertors exemplifies how strategic financing can drive growth and environmental impact.

This transaction was completed in partnership with Manley Diedloff (CEO of Master Plastics) and Metier Private Equity, an existing shareholder, to co-invest in the leveraged buyout of PlusNet, Peninsula Packaging, and Barrier Film Converters. This positions the business for further growth. 

Nedbank’s role in the deal

Nedbank acted as Mandated Lead Arranger, Bookrunner, Coordinator, Lender and Equity Provider for the leveraged buyout of PlusNet, Peninsula Packaging and Barrier Film Convertors.

Understanding Nedbank CIB’s Capital Allocator Strategy

The deal is aligned with Nedbank CIB’s Capital Allocator Strategy, whereby tier 1 private equity firms are identified for co-investment opportunities. In this case, the deal centres around PlusNet, Peninsula Packaging and Barrier Film Convertors, which sat in Metier’s Capital Growth Fund II.

Co-investment with tier 1 private equity firms

The deal strengthens our role as a trusted financial partner to tier 1 private equity firms. By structuring a multifaceted capital solution across the entire capital stack, we enabled Metier and PlusNet, Peninsula Packaging and Barrier Film Convertors management to successfully execute the leveraged buyout, ensuring long-term value creation for all stakeholders.

The transaction also reflects our ability to structure competitive, bespoke funding solutions that support clients in industries driving meaningful economic and environmental impact.

Aligning with sustainability goals and the UN SDGs

Nedbank CIB’s focus on sustainability means we support our clients who assist in the Just Transition to a green future. PlusNet, Peninsula Packaging and Barrier Film Convertors purpose and processes strongly align with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG), and our support entrenches Nedbank as the green bank.

Impact of PlusNet on agriculture

PlusNet develops sustainable agricultural solutions that reduce waste, improve farming efficiency, and conserve water. Our funding enables their continued growth, innovation, and environmental impact.

PlusNet’s netting solutions improve produce yield as well as reducing water and electricity usage and pesticides required to protect crops, delivering sustainable gains for farmers facing climate change and rising costs of production.

Enhancing food shelf life and reducing waste

Peninsula Packaging and Barrier Film Convertors specialise in providing recyclable, flexible packaging solutions that lengthen the life of predominantly fresh, prepared and dry foods. Resulting in demonstrable reductions in food waste, higher quality food in the hands of consumers and alignment with retailers in their ambitions to eliminate single-use and non-recyclable packaging formats.

An active participant and innovator, delivering impact in the plastics sector

As an accredited member of the Plastics Convertors Association of South Africa , Plastics SA and Polyco, and Polyco PRO, PlusNet, Peninsula Packaging and Barrier Film Convertors differentiate themselves by employing leading technology as well as research and development.

That’s why they are also the first South African flexible plastic converter to adopt ECG printing methodologies across all its facilities, yielding significant environmental and operational efficiencies.