EXHIBIT 23

            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements, Form S-8 No. 333-101121 pertaining to the Pactiv Corporation 2002
Incentive Compensation Plan, Form S-8 No. 333-33484, pertaining to Pactiv
Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and Form S-8 No. 333-90333, pertaining
to Tenneco Packaging Inc. Thrift Plan for Hourly Employees of Tenneco Packaging
and Tenneco Packaging Thrift Plan, of our reports dated March 15, 2005, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Pactiv
Corporation, Pactiv Corporation management's assessment of the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting, and the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting of Pactiv Corporation, included in this Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 15, 2005