Posted on June 30, 2025
DEME Environnement, a pioneer in soil remediation and brownfield redevelopment, proudly marks 35 years of service in Belgium and France. Founded in 1990 as Écoterres and now part of DEME Group NV (Euronext Brussels: DEME), DEME Environnement has completed more than 800 projects across Belgium and France. The company has become a reference in remediating contaminated soils from industrial, urban, and public infrastructure sites, managing and valorizing polluted sediments from inland waterways and transforming brownfields into productive land through public-private partnerships.
To mark the 35th anniversary, a commemorative event was held in the presence of Mr. Hugues Bayet (Mayor of Farciennes), Mr. Olivier Vanderijst (Président du Comité de direction de Wallonie Entreprendre), Mr. Yves Coppieters (Walloon Minister for Health, the Environment, Solidarity and the Social Economy) and Mr. Thibaut de Villenfagne (representative of Mr. Minister Desquesnes, Vice- Chairman and Walloon Minister for Territory, Infrastructure, Mobility and Local Authorities). The presence of such esteemed dignitaries underscores the strong public-private collaboration and long- standing commitment to sustainable environmental solutions.
A legacy of environmental leadership
Originally named Écoterres, the company marked a pivotal milestone in its history in 2024 by adopting the name of its majority shareholder, DEME – which holds a 75% stake – and becoming DEME Environnement. The remaining 25% is held by Wallonie Entreprendre, a public investment and development organization in Wallonia, Belgium, and a much appreciated shareholder in Écoterres for more than 25 years. With headquarters in Farciennes and recycling centers in Tubize, Charleroi, Liège (Belgium), and Wambrechies (Hauts de France), soil remediation projects and environmental dredging in Wallonia, Hauts-de-France and Lorraine, the company employs over 90 direct staff and supports up to 200 indirect jobs through its sites, labs, and subcontractors.
For more than two decades, DEME Environnement has been at the forefront of soil remediation, environmental dredging, sediment treatment and sustainable brownfield redevelopment, turning contaminated and disused industrial sites into vibrant, purposeful spaces. In response to growing urbanization and land scarcity, DEME has pioneered a circular approach – acquiring and remediating brownfields to create new opportunities for industry, housing, and biodiversity. The company’s multidisciplinary model goes well beyond being only a contractor for the environmental works and the soil remediation, encompassing full-site redesign, permitting, and master planning. DEME Environnement is also the last Walloon company to own dredging equipment and holds a four-year framework contract with the Walloon waterways authority.
Transforming 65-hectare chemical site
A standout example is the 65-hectare Feluy site in Belgium, where DEME (in partnership with Wanty, a private company responsible for the road construction and sewage, and the local intercommunal company IDEA), is transforming a former chemical site into a sustainable industrial zone. With 70% of soil treated onsite and 4 million tons of recycled soil from our Belgian treatment centers used for backfilling, the project exemplifies DEME’s commitment to innovation, circularity, and low-carbon solutions.
This integrated, collaborative approach – backed by private-public partnerships and shareholder support – demonstrates how complex remediation projects can succeed with minimal public funding, setting a benchmark for sustainable redevelopment in Wallonia and beyond.
Strategic vision for the future
Luc Vandenbulcke, CEO of DEME, said: “DEME Environnement is not only a cornerstone of our Environmental segment, but also a catalyst for sustainable transformation in the regions we serve. By combining technical excellence and innovation with local partnerships, we are building the foundations of a circular economy that benefits both people and the planet. Everything we do is driven by our commitment to creating a better, more livable world – one where communities thrive, ecosystems are restored, and future generations inherit a healthier environment.”
To meet the mounting environmental challenges, DEME Environnement is accelerating its transformation through four strategic pillars that reflect both its ambition and its responsibility. Denis Drousie, General Manager DEME Environnement, commented: “We are investing boldly in innovation. For example, to tackle water pollutants and PFAS contamination, we have set up a joint venture – Cargen – which specializes in activated carbon and filter solutions. We also offer other advanced soil washing systems that set new standards in remediation.
“Additionally, we are deepening our commitment to talent development, expanding training programs and actively recruiting young professionals in Wallonia and France to build the next generation of environmental leaders. Through circular and cross-border development, we are championing integrated territorial planning and fostering public-private partnerships that drive sustainable urban regeneration. As well as this, we are scaling up our treatment capacity to meet growing demand. Together, these pillars form the foundation of a resilient, forward-looking company.”
About DEME
DEME (Euronext Brussels: DEME) is a leading contractor in the fields of offshore energy, environmental remediation, dredging, and marine infrastructure. DEME also engages in concessions activities in offshore wind, marine infrastructure, green hydrogen, and deep-sea mineral harvesting. The company can build on nearly 150 years of experience and is a front-runner in innovation and new technologies. DEME’s vision is to work towards a sustainable future by offering solutions for global challenges: climate change, a growing population and urbanization, increasing maritime trade, and environmental issues. With a team of more than 5,800 highly skilled professionals and one of the most advanced fleets in the world, DEME is well-positioned to tackle even the most complex projects. DEME realized a turnover of 4.1 billion euros with an EBITDA of 764 million euros in 2024. For more information, please visit www.deme-group.com.
Contact
Media relations Investor relations
Frederic Dryhoel Carl Vanden Bussche
dryhoel.frederic@deme-group.com vanden.bussche.carl@deme-group.com
+32 473 86 31 91 +32 498 90 61 13
