RNES-B-00161 Odor Specification for Materials and Parts

The “RNES-B-00161 Odor specification for materials and parts” standard, a Renault Nissan engineering standard, describes the odor specification for materials and parts using the “RNES-B-00096 Odor test method for materials and parts” standard. This standard applies to all materials and parts used in passenger vehicles (including vans and SUVs) and in all regions.

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:

• Odor: An odor caused by chemical compounds that emanate from a building product or material, an automotive part, or the entire interior of a vehicle.
• Odor panel: A group of at least 5 trained individuals who conduct a sensory assessment of odor emissions originating from building products or materials, automotive parts, or the entire interior of a vehicle.
• Panel leader: The person whose primary responsibilities include managing panel activities and recruiting, training, and monitoring evaluators.
• Panelist: A member of the scent panel.
• Global intensity: The intensity of the odor of a sample as assessed by a trained panelist.
• Polaris: Refers to one or more reference molecules used to define a scent.

For materials and parts, the spherical density value must be less than or equal to 2,5. For materials and parts, the polar density value must be as follows:

• For highly disturbing polarities, the density should be less than or equal to 2,0. Highly disturbing polarities include: amine, sulfur, stale, solvent, gasoline/styrene.
• For the other poles, the density must be less than or equal to 2,5.

In their pursuit of superior vehicle interiors where every sensory detail matters, manufacturers have long prioritized standards that go beyond performance and safety to encompass user comfort. The RNES-B-00161 standard stands out as one such standard, defining odor specifications for materials and parts. This technical standard establishes criteria for acceptable odor levels in vehicle components, ensuring the cabin remains inviting rather than off-putting. The RNES-B-00161 standard continues to be an integral part of green purchasing guidelines, reflecting an evolution towards holistic interior air quality management.

The smell of a new car is actually a double-edged sword: for some it's a nostalgic feeling, but for others it's a potential health hazard due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from plastics, adhesives, textiles, and leather. These emissions peak in the first few months after car ownership, exacerbated by heat, humidity, and material degradation. For Renault and Nissan, solving the odor problem isn't an option; it's a differentiating factor in the competition, driven by increasing consumer awareness of indoor air quality.

Global regulations such as the European REACH directive and US EPA guidelines have increased the need for proactive measures. Within the alliance, odor control, integrated into supply and testing protocols, forms a critical layer of quality assurance. Inadequate compliance can lead to recalls, customer dissatisfaction, and environmental investigations, making standards like RNES-B-00161 essential for supplier compliance and brand integrity.

This standard sets quantitative and qualitative targets for odor acceptability in automotive interiors. Equivalent to the “NES M0160 Method for testing the odor of interior parts” standard, it complements the broader RNES framework by focusing not only on test methods but also on final results.

The key components of this standard are:

• Odor rating scale: Materials are rated on a scale of 1–6, where 1 indicates an undetectable odor and 6 indicates a strong, unpleasant odor. Most interior components should have a rating of 3 or lower, with stricter limits (e.g., 2,5) for high-touch areas such as seats and instrument panels.
• Target applications: Covers a wide variety of components including upholstery, carpet, headliner, instrument panel, and adhesives. Does not include exterior or under-hood parts unless they contribute to cabin leakage.
• Pass/fail criteria: Specifications require that no odor identifiers (e.g., chemical, musty) exceed defined thresholds, thus ensuring a neutral and pleasant profile.

The RNES-B-00161 standard is not negotiable for suppliers, and non-compliance will trigger audits under the Alliance Nissan product quality procedure.

Compliance with the RNES-B-00161 standard requires seamless integration throughout the supply chain, from material procurement to final assembly. The process typically involves:

• Design phase integration: Engineers refer to Renault Nissan design standards during component specification, ensuring material selection is in line with these standards.
• Test protocol: The RNES-B-00096 standard provides the odor test method (e.g., thermal aging samples at 65 degrees), while the RNES-B-00161 standard defines the acceptance criteria. Results are submitted via the international materials data system in accordance with the RNES-B-00043 standard.
• Reporting and verification: Suppliers declare odor data along with VOC emissions (RNES-B-20116) and restricted substances (NES M0297). Nissan’s green purchasing guidelines mandate annual audits.

The RNES-B-00161 standard does not work alone; it is part of an odor management ecosystem that includes emerging VOC standards such as “NES M0297 Odor Use Restrictions” and RNES-B-20116 for micro-scale emission testing.

In conclusion, the RNES-B-00161 standard exemplifies how technical specifications can improve the daily driving experience and minimize potential inconveniences. This standard ensures health, sustainability, and satisfaction.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "RNES-B-00161 Odor specification for materials and parts" standard.