Exhibit 23 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Great Lakes Corrugated Corp. Salaried Employees Profit Sharing and Savings Plan of our report dated December 10, 2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Greif, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended October 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Columbus, Ohio June 19, 2003