Our history

From the inauguration of the Suez Canal through the revolutions of hygiene and public health, urban comfort, our solutions and technologies have accompanied cities and industries to meet the challenges of urban and demographic growth. 150 years after the inauguration of the Suez Canal, SUEZ builds on its pioneering history and culture of innovation to announce a new ambition: to shape a sustainable environment, now, with cities, industries and citizens.

Our history

150 years of history at the service of human progress

1869: the trade revolution

As soon as the SUEZ canal opens, it revolutionizes world trade. This marks the beginning of the Group’s industrial success and the birth of its name, a synonym of audacity, ambition and innovation.

1880: the hygiene and public health revolution

The industrial revolution leads to rapid development of cities. To protect people’s hygiene and health, water and sanitation networks are built over great distances, providing access to drinking water and wastewater treatment. A modern waste collection system is also invented.

1945: the urban comfort revolution

After the Second World War, as big cities and suburbs grow, inhabitants’ needs increase, calling for a constant supply of clean water to meet growing requirements, and collection and treatment of increasing waste quantities.

1990 – Today

At the dawn of the 21^st century, a new chapter begins at the Rio Earth Summit. World leaders make the protection of the earth a priority. In an exponentially growing world, cities and industries are seeking new solutions to face resource scarcity and climate change.

In 2019, 150 years after the inauguration of the Suez Canal, our Group builds on its pioneering history and culture of innovation to announce a new ambition: to shape a sustainable environment, now, with cities, industries and citizens. Motivated by a passion for the environment, the 90,000 SUEZ employees are committed to inventing disruptive solutions to preserve and restore the fundamental elements of the environment: water, air and soil.

Watch the video on SUEZ’s history

SUEZ, the winning spirit for 150 years - SUEZ

Credit: SUEZ group