B.A.U.M. (Bundesdeutscher Arbeitskreis für Umweltbewusstes Management B.A.U.M. e. V.), the German federal working group for environmentally conscious management, chose to distinguish Dr. Michael Bahn and Dr. Hans-Jürgen Klüppel because of "their longstanding dedication to holistic environmental protection and the exemplary initiative they have shown in this regard," and expressly commended their "practical achievements in preventive and holistic environmental protection within their company." B.A.U.M. has been conferring this honor on members of the business community, journalists and scientists ever since 1993.
Michael Bahn (58) is responsible for implementing and monitoring Group-wide sustainability activities. In this function he and his team coordinate and monitor the sustainability strategy of the entire Company. Bahn establishes sustainability standards for worldwide application. Hans-Jürgen Klüppel (57) heads the worldwide quality and environmental management department of Henkel's Laundry & Home Care business sector, where he coordinates market-related implementation of quality and environmental standards.