Total: Brand overview
TotalEnergies SE, an integrated energy and oil and gas corporation headquartered in France, has been a leader in the oil and gas sector since 1924. One of the seven “supermajor” oil companies, TotalEnergies covers the entire oil and gas complex, from exploration and production to power generation, transportation, refining, marketing of petroleum products, and global trade. It also plays a prominent role in chemical production.
In the post-World War I period, with the looming fear of another war with Germany, French President Raymond Poincaré envisioned a self-sufficient France not dependent on foreign oil. Refusing to cooperate with Royal Dutch Shell, he created Total in 1924, then called Compagnie française des pétroles (CFP). Colonel Ernest Mercier was entrusted with this ambitious endeavor, backed by 90 banks and companies. This strategic initiative proved successful, and Total became one of the world’s leading oil companies.
In its early years, CFP focused on exploration and production, which led to several significant discoveries in the Middle East. The company expanded its horizons by organizing the refining and marketing of oil worldwide. By the 1960s, CFP had significantly advanced in the chemical industry and acquired several other oil companies.
In 1999, CFP merged with Belgium’s Petrofina to form TotalFina. The following year, TotalFina accomplished the remarkable feat of acquiring the French company Elf Aquitaine, creating TotalFinaElf. In 2003, after significant restructuring, the company was renamed Total SA.
To emphasize its commitment to renewable energy and its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, Total SA rebranded in 2021 and became TotalEnergies SE. This progressive step towards a sustainable future demonstrated the company’s determination to make a positive environmental difference.
For generations, TotalEnergies has been a significant player in the global energy sector, making innovative discoveries in oil and gas and contributing significantly to the chemical industry. The company is now paving the way for the energy transition by actively investing in renewable energy and preparing to meet the challenges of today’s energy landscape.
The French Petroleum Company (CFP) was founded in 1924, marking the beginning of a new period in energy production and exploration.
In 1954, CFP revolutionized the world by discovering Algeria’s Hassi Messaoud oil field, ushering in a new phase of energy production and global economic prosperity.
In 1964, the merger of CFP and the French company Fina resulted in Total, a watershed in developing the oil and gas industry.
In 1991, Total made history by becoming the first French company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, offering its shareholders broad investment prospects.
1999, French energy giant Total merged with Belgium’s Petrofina to form the modernized TotalFina.
In 2000, TotalFina and the French company Elf Aquitaine joined forces to form the transnational energy titan TotalFinaElf.
In 2003, TotalFinaElf underwent a significant change and was transformed into the revitalized Total SA.
In 2021, Total SA took the landmark step of changing its name to TotalEnergies SE, signaling a shift in operational focus towards a more comprehensive range of energy solutions.
Meaning and History
What is Total?
This is one of the largest energy businesses in the world, headquartered in France, with assets across all continents. The organization manages the full oil and gas production cycle—from hydrocarbon exploration and extraction to refining and retail sales through thousands of gas stations. As a leading player in the African market, it holds a dominant position and undertakes projects in challenging locations, including deepwater fields and Arctic regions. It is also renowned for its petrochemical operations, which include the production of polymers, specialty chemicals, and motor oils, which are popular among drivers worldwide.
1954 – 1955
1955 – 1963
1963 – 1970
1970 – 1980
1980 – 2003
2003 – 2021
2021 – today
The TotalEnergies logo is bright and dynamic, reflecting the progress and diversity of the company’s work in the energy sector. The central element is a stylized combination of the letters “T” and “E,” forming a smooth, harmonious shape. This graphic element looks unified, symbolizing the integration of traditional and modern energy sources.
The upper part, where the red color smoothly transitions into orange, forms the horizontal line of the letter “T.” It resembles a wide brushstroke, adding liveliness and energy to the logo. The letter “E” begins with a blue shade and transitions into yellow, creating a sense of completeness and emphasizing the company’s diverse operations. The color gradient conveys the shift from fossil energy sources to environmentally friendly and innovative solutions.
The color palette includes shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. These colors seamlessly blend into one another, symbolizing movement and the connection between the company’s sectors. Visually, this is energy in constant motion, highlighting the company’s adaptability to contemporary challenges.
Below the graphic element is the company’s name, written in lowercase letters. The font is modern, sans-serif, with soft, rounded forms that make the text clear and visually appealing. The red text adds emphasis and ties it harmoniously to the upper part of the emblem, reinforcing the overall cohesion of the composition.
The name conveys the brand’s core idea. “Total” emphasizes the company’s scale, while “Energies” highlights its specialization, encompassing both traditional and renewable energy sources.
The color transitions, shapes, and text work together to create an image that tells the story of diversity, innovation, and the company’s commitment to keeping pace with the times, paving the way for the future of energy.