EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF MCCARTER & ENGLISH, LLP November 12, 1999 Ladies and Gentlemen: We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Owens-Illinois, Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 1999, of the reference to our firm under the caption "Legal Proceedings." Very truly yours, /s/McCarter & English, LLP -------------------------- McCarter & English, LLP