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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1






                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of our report dated June 15, 2001, included in this Pactiv Hourly
401(k) Savings and Investment Plan (the Plan) Annual Report on Form 11-K, for
the year ended December 31, 2000, into the previously filed Form S-8
Registration Statement File No. 333-33484.




                                          /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Chicago, Illinois
June 28, 2001