EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Alltrista Corporation 1998
Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan and the Alltrista Corporation 2001 Stock Option
Plan and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January
23, 2002 (except for Note 19, as to which the date is March 22, 2002), with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Alltrista
Corporation and Subsidiaries included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended December 31, 2001, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



ERNST & YOUNG LLP


New York, New York

May 10, 2002