AL Circle presents an enriching conversation with Ganga C Sharma, Managing Director & CEO of CETIZION Verifica Pvt Ltd, wherein he shares his personal views on the sustainability practices of the Indian and global aluminium industry. According to Mr Sharma, India is leading by example, and the world is closely watching its activities and following its footsteps. He says IoT plays a critical role in sustainability and ESG initiatives, and also offers an exciting outlook on CBAM, describing it as a balance of risk and opportunities, depending on how the companies adapt to the new regulation. To know more of his unique and valuable insights, read the full interview.

AL Circle: Could you please provide a brief overview of your company and the services you offer?

Ganga C Sharma: Cetizion Verifica is a global leader in auditing, assessment, and verification services, with a presence in India, the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Our primary focus is on validating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance initiatives such as ASI (Aluminium Stewardship Initiative), conducting GHG (Greenhouse Gas) verifications, providing assurance, and evaluating sustainability reports. We recognise organisations that go above and beyond legal compliance and exceed industry standards in areas such as environmental responsibility, social governance, and societal impact.

At Cetizion Verifica, we believe that knowledge sharing is key to fostering growth across the entire aluminium value chain. When industry peers come together to share their experiences—discussing their practices, challenges, and solutions—it serves as both motivation and an opportunity for others to learn and innovate. This initiative plays a vital role in inspiring and educating others in the sector.

We also carefully evaluate applicants to ensure their ESG performance aligns with the best international standards, particularly in areas like climate change, decarbonisation, recycling, circularity, and overall governance. Our efforts contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to support the broader sustainability agenda.

We work with both upstream and downstream aluminium companies, including suppliers of essential elements like alloys. Our ultimate goal is to create a platform where industry professionals are motivated and excited to share their insights and best practices. We are confident that media platforms like AL Circle can help disseminate this information to companies in India and around the world, promoting global collaboration and progress.

AL Circle: What is your perspective on the future direction of the Indian aluminium industry in terms of sustainability and green initiatives?

Ganga C Sharma: The Indian aluminium industry is prospering, as evidenced by the strong performance of major companies like Hindalco, NALCO, and Vedanta. Exciting developments are also taking place in the downstream sector, with Hindalco announcing a new recycling plant in India and Vedanta introducing green products. India is becoming an increasingly attractive hub for the aluminium industry, ranking among the top five in terms of bauxite, alumina, and smelting capacity. Even in "China Plus One" policy, India plays a significant role globally.