Reebok to Label Soccer Balls ‘Adult-Made’

Reebok International Ltd. said its soccer balls will soon carry a label guaranteeing that they aren’t made by children. The announcement by the British sports shoe and equipment company marks its latest effort to stop child labor in soccer ball production following a 1995 report that attacked companies for allegedly allowing products to be made by children. About 80% of soccer balls sold in the U.S. are produced by child labor in Pakistan, according to Labor Secretary Robert Reich. Following the 1995 report, Reebok announced plans to build a factory in Pakistan where adults will make all its soccer balls. The balls made at the factory, which opens in January, will carry the label “Guarantee: Manufactured Without Child Labor.” Such balls will be available in stores in the spring.