SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


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                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT
                     Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                         Securities Exchange Act of 1934


       Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 25, 2005
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                               PACTIV CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                                    Delaware
                                    --------
         (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

1-15157                                                               36-2552989
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(Commission File Number)                        (IRS Employer Identification No)


               1900 West Field Court, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
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               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (847) 482-2000





Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Conditions
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On January 25, 2005, the Company issued a press release announcing the Company's
fourth quarter 2004 earnings. This press release, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this
Current Report on Form 8-K, is incorporated herein by this reference.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
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(c)  Exhibits

     Exhibit No.                  Description

     99.1                         Press Release dated January 25, 2005






                                   SIGNATURES
                                   ----------

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date:  January 25, 2005

PACTIV CORPORATION


By: /s/ James V. Faulkner, Jr.
    --------------------------
    James V. Faulkner, Jr.
    Vice President and General Counsel