
<PAGE>   1






                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our reports dated February 4, 1997
included in Form 10-K of Caraustar Industries, Inc. for the year ended December
31, 1996 and to all references to our Firm included in this registration
statement.


/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP




Atlanta, Georgia
March 26, 1997





