Coles shopper’s uproar over major checkout change: ‘$15 for a paper bag?’

Coles supermarket has defended its decision to sell a reusable paper bag - at the steep price of $15.

The retail giant has made a statement to 7NEWS.com.au in response to customer backlash over the new checkout buy.

Sharing on Twitter, a shopper voiced his unhappiness after coming across the $15 “washable” paper bags at his local store.

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“Fifteen dollars for a paper bag??? That’s a hard no from me,” the customer wrote.

He also added: “You have no shame.”

However a Coles spokesperson has said that the supermarket stands behind its new $15 paper bag, claiming it has a “longer life span” and can hold 20kg.

“Our washable paper bag, made from FSC certified paper, has recently launched in-store as another option for customers to use when shopping,” the spokesperson said.

“The $15 price is based on a number of factors, including the materials used and its ability to be machine washable.

“The leather-like washable paper bag also has a longer life span compared to soft plastic and paper bags and can carry up to 20kgs.

“We also continue to offer our customers 100 per cent recycled paper bags for 25 cents, a range of reusable tote bags that retail from $1 and chiller bags which are $2.50 each.”

The release follows Coles’ recent decision to stop selling its 15c reusable plastic bags in all stores by the end of June.

In its place, Coles said it would offer reusable paper bags for 25c - as well as a range of totes.

“This month we phased out all soft plastic shopping bags in-store and online, which will remove 230 million plastic bags from circulation in one year. This is part of our commitment to reduce unnecessary plastic,” the spokesperson added.