EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
    We consent to the inclusion in this annual report on Form 10-K and to the
incorporation by reference in the registration statement of Portola Packaging,
Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 333-17533) of our reports dated November 19, 1997,
which include an explanatory paragraph on the adoption of a newly established
standard for the impairment of long-lived assets, on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Portola
Packaging, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of August 31, 1997 and 1996 and for the
three years in the period ended August 31, 1997 which reports are included in
this annual report on Form 10-K.
 
                                          COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
San Jose, California
November 28, 1997