At AUS, we believe that real-world exposure is essential for understanding the complexities of global business. As part of our applied sciences approach, we emphasize hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge to industry practices. Recently, our students had the unique opportunity to visit ECOM, a leading commodities trading company specializing in cocoa, coffee, and cotton. The visit provided invaluable insights into how sustainability is becoming an integral part of international trade.

About ECOM: a leader in sustainable commodity trading

Ecom is a global commodity trading company with headquarters in Pully, Switzerland. With operations in 40 different countries, the company focuses on sourcing and trading cocoa, coffee, and cotton while ensuring sustainability and ethical practices throughout its supply chain. Working closely with farmers, governments, and major corporations such as Nestlé, Mars, and Starbucks, ECOM is committed to driving sustainable agricultural practices.

Sustainability at the heart of commodity trading

A key focus of ECOM’s work is ensuring that the farmers they collaborate with meet strict sustainability regulations while progressing towards carbon neutrality. The company actively monitors and addresses pressing global challenges, including deforestation, child labor, and carbon emissions tracking.
How is carbon footprint measured at ECOM?

A highlight of the visit was learning about ECOM’s in-house system for calculating carbon emissions and reductions. This proprietary tool allows the company to accurately measure the carbon footprint of each commodity it trades. By understanding the carbon output of individual farmers, ECOM can develop tailored strategies to mitigate their impact, such as encouraging the planting of trees around farms to offset emissions.
Regulatory compliance and the EU net zero target

Sustainability in commodity trading is not just an internal commitment but also a legal requirement. ECOM must comply with various international regulations, particularly the EU regulation on deforestation, which aligns with the EU’s ambitious net-zero targets. By staying ahead of evolving regulations, ECOM ensures that their global supply chains remain sustainable and legally compliant.
Aligning with AUS and the UN SDG goals

At AUS, we integrate sustainability into our curriculum and research in alignment with the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). Our applied sciences methodology ensures that students not only learn about sustainability in theory but also engage with real-world applications. This visit to ECOM directly ties into SDG #12 (responsible consumption and production) and #13 (climate action), as students witnessed how global businesses implement sustainable supply chain practices to reduce environmental impact.
A transformative learning experience

For our students, this visit was a powerful demonstration of how sustainability is integrated into business practices on a global scale. Witnessing firsthand how technology, data analysis, and regulatory compliance work together to create a more responsible supply chain was both inspiring and educational.

As future business leaders, our students left with a deeper understanding of how sustainability is no longer optional but a necessity in today’s economic landscape. Visits like these reinforce the importance of responsible business practices, aligning with AUS’s mission to bridge academia with industry and prepare students to make a meaningful impact in their careers.

We extend our gratitude to ECOM for hosting us and sharing their expertise. Stay tuned for more industry visits and learning experiences at AUS!

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