<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
The schedule  contains summary  information  extracted from the
consolidated statement of earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 1998
and the consolidated  balance sheet at December 31, 1998 and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<CIK>                         0001012100
<NAME>                        SEALED AIR CORPORATION
       
                                                         

<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                    12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                           DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                                DEC-31-1998
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<EPS-PRIMARY>                                                       .04
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                       .02