EXHIBIT 23.1 - CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements,
Form S-8 No. 333-101121 - Pactiv Corporation 2002 Incentive Compensation Plan,
Form S-8 No. 333-33484 - Pactiv Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and
Form S-8 No. 333-90333 - Tenneco Packaging Inc. Thrift Plan for Hourly Employees
and Tenneco Packaging Inc. Thrift Plan, of our report dated January 21, 2003,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Pactiv
Corporation included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 2002.


Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 25, 2003