Thick, strong & stretchable bags respond to consumers' needs.

LAKE FOREST, Ill – September 16, 2004 – Pactiv Corporation (NYSE: PTV) today announced the launch of new Hefty^® Ultra Flex™ tall kitchen bags and 30-gallon waste bags – both of which are thick, strong, and stretchable. The bags are 20% thicker than most bags in their segments, providing the strength to resist tearing, punctures, and leaks. The bags, which have an interlocking design, are topped off with convenient drawstring closures – the best-selling closure choice among consumers.

“We are offering another smart choice in waste bags from the Hefty^® family and an important extension of our leading Hefty^® waste bag line," said Richard L. Wambold, chairman and chief executive officer, Pactiv Corporation. "Hefty^® Ultra Flex™ bags are designed to help fulfill our consumers' most important trash needs. Consumers want a bag that's thick, strong and resistant to breaking, and we are committed to providing solutions that work for our customers.”

Hefty^® Ultra Flex™ 13-gallon tall kitchen bags are offered in 18-, 40- and 46-count packages; 30-gallon trash bags are offered in 11-, 24- and 30-count packages. National distribution, currently in process, is being supported with consumer and trade programs to generate awareness, trial and repeat sales.

Pactiv Corporation, a $3.1 billion company, is a leading provider of advanced packaging solutions for the consumer, foodservice/food packaging and protective/flexible packaging markets. The specialty packaging leader currently operates 80 facilities in 14 countries around the world. For more information about Pactiv, visit the company’s web site at www.pactiv.com.