Foodstuffs NZ isn't expecting a backlash against a ban on plastic bags similar to what's occurring across the Tasman.

A statewide ban on plastic bags began in Western Australia at the weekend. It was met with outrage from many shoppers who were caught unaware at the checkout without their bags.

It culminated in one customer allegedly grabbing a shop assistant by the throat.

Foodstuffs NZ CEO Chris Quin told Mike Hosking a ban on plastic bags is what the public here wants.

"In New Zealand at PAK'n'SAVE, for a long time now, there has been a charge for the plastic bad as that helps us keep the products on the shelf as cheap as we can. So I think New Zealanders are a little more prepared for this."

Quin says there'll be no single use plastic bags at New World, PAK'n'SAVE and Four Square by the end of the year.

LISTEN TO CHRIS QUIN TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE