New eco-friendly carrier bags at Aldi have been greeted with a mixed response from the supermarket's customers. The bags, which cost 15p, went on sale for the first time last week.
The brown-coloured bags include an image of a leaf in the shape of a love heart alongside the words "love your planet". The bags also bear the message: "Choose me. Use me. Recycle me."
The Manchester Evening News reported that one shopper, Holly Barton, posted an enthusiastic message about the bags and shared a picture of them in a Facebook group. But some members of Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK made it clear that they were unimpressed.
Complaints ranged from the price of the item and the overall quality and suitability of paper bags. One user wrote: "All good for saving the planet, but remember we live in a place with more rain than sun." Another said: ""These paper bags burst when you put anything in them."
Some said that they didn't realise shops were able to charge for paper bags. One person described them as "a rip off" while another said: "Shouldn't have to pay for paper bags anywhere."
Holly told the Manchester Evening News that she was taken by surprise by the response generated by her post. "I personally thought 15p was a good price for a strong recyclable bag," she told the paper.
However, there was a more enthusiastic reaction from other people in the group. Some said it was "about time" stores started providing paper bags and others said they hoped more supermarkets follow suit.
One group member commented: "Paper bags all the way... Save the planet a little each day." Another said: "Don't get why people are moaning about the quality of the paper bags - take your own problem solved!"
The paper bags are not the only type sold by Aldi. Its range includes a 10p compostable carrier bag, eco-loop bags made from 100% recyclable plastic priced at 20p, and its thicker 55p bag for life.
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