Tsuno Group Co., Ltd.: Advancing By-product Utilization While Maintaining Uninterrupted Operations

By fully embracing rice bran as a valuable by-product and maximizing its potential, Tsuno Group Co., Ltd. (Tsuno Food Industrial Co., Ltd.) has built a diverse business portfolio centered on rice bran utilization. From rice bran oil to pharmaceutical ingredients, cosmetic ingredients, food additives, industrial oils and fats, and used cooking oil recycling, the company continues to expand the possibilities of this often-overlooked resource. Producing high-quality rice bran oil requires advanced refining processes and rigorous quality control. Leveraging its strong technical foundation and continuous investment in research and development, Tsuno Group consistently delivers high-quality products while maintaining a stable and reliable supply.

DATE 2026-08-25

Unlocking the Full Potential of Resources

The company’s commitment to maximizing the value of food resources is deeply rooted in the founder’s experience of food shortages. Making the most of limited resources and eliminating waste has become a core corporate value that has been passed down through generations. This philosophy extends beyond simply utilizing every part of the raw material, influencing daily operational efforts to ensure stable supply, reduce losses, and improve efficiency. The company also places a strong emphasis on collaboration with its business partners, promoting the development of a sustainable supply chain through the effective use of by-products generated after oil extraction.

To support this vision, Tsuno Group has established a robust manufacturing foundation capable of consistently reproducing high product quality. By minimizing losses associated with operational downtime, the company ensures a stable supply of products that contributes directly to customer satisfaction.

jigyo.png

For example, bran suppliers. By further processing the by-products generated after oil extraction into valuable products and supplying them back to our partners, we are helping to create a more sustainable supply chain.

Mr. Kobayashi
Research & Development Division
Tsuno Group Co., Ltd.

tsuno-640.png

Tsuno Group Co., Ltd.

As a pioneer in the field of rice chemicals, Tsuno Group Co., Ltd. develops and manufactures a diverse range of products, including rice bran oil, by unlocking the potential of rice bran. Centered on the advanced utilization of rice bran, the company operates across a wide range of sectors, including food products, dietary supplements, fine chemicals, and oleochemicals, supplying products to more than 40 countries and regions worldwide. Drawing on decades of research and development expertise and an unwavering commitment to quality, Tsuno Group continues to contribute to the realization of a more sustainable society.

Business Overview – Tsuno Food Industrial Co., Ltd. Official Website

 

tsuno-products.png

💡 Tip: Did you know? A simple way to elevate your everyday rice.

Just add 1/2 teaspoon of rice bran oil for every 2 cups of rice before cooking. The result is fluffy, glossy rice with beautifully separated grains. Because rice bran oil has a clean, neutral flavor, it gently coats each grain and helps retain moisture, enhancing both texture and appearance without altering the natural taste of the rice. The cooking process stays exactly the same. All it takes is a single spoonful.

Rice bran oil is not only ideal for frying and sautéing,
it can also subtly enhance your everyday meals.
That's another one of the many appealing ways to enjoy rice bran oil.

Alfa Laval’s Unique Mechanical Seal Technology Contributes to Consistent Product Quality

One of the key advantages of using Alfa Laval centrifuges, according to Mr. Hayashi of the Engineering Department at Tsuno Group Co., Ltd., is their advanced functionality.

“The mechanical seal (hermetic design), a distinctive feature of Alfa Laval centrifuges, minimizes contact with air during processing. Because oil is highly susceptible to the effects of air exposure, we believe this feature contributes significantly to maintaining consistent product quality.”

For Tsuno Group, where quality is carefully built into every stage of the manufacturing process, such design features are indispensable both for quality management that ensures product safety and reliability, and for maintaining a stable supply of products.

 

After-Sales Service: The Core of Preventive Maintenance Supporting Stable Operations

At Tsuno Group Co., Ltd., production downtime is viewed not merely as a cost, but as a loss of valuable resources. As a result, maintaining stable operations is regarded as one of the company's highest priorities. In a manufacturing environment focused on maximizing uptime, capital investment decisions are increasingly evaluated based on their contribution to operational reliability. The company positions after-sales service as a core component of its preventive maintenance strategy for sustaining stable operations.

Intermediate maintenance is conducted every three months, while major maintenance is carried out annually. Through these scheduled maintenance activities, equipment performance and condition are systematically managed to build a strong foundation for reliable operations. Rather than waiting to repair equipment after a problem occurs, the company embraces a proactive approach focused on preventing downtime before it happens. Critical spare parts with long procurement lead times are secured in advance, helping minimize the risk of unexpected shutdowns. At the same time, while prioritizing the prevention of equipment stoppages, the company has also established systems and processes designed to address unforeseen circumstances.

The key is to never regard trouble as truly “unexpected.” When issues do arise, they are addressed quickly and effectively through well-defined coordination and support frameworks that have already been put in place.

Reflecting on this approach, Mr. Kimura of the Engineering Department commented:

What impressed me most was how quickly Alfa Laval’s service team responded whenever an issue arose. By working closely together from an early stage, we have been able to resolve problems quickly and effectively

kimura.png

Mr. Kimura
Engineering Department
Tsuno Group Co., Ltd.

Alfa Laval supports the company’s operational reliability through a wide range of services, from planning and executing major and intermediate maintenance programs to ongoing information sharing with plant personnel and rapid response during emergencies.

 

Looking Ahead to Further Business Expansion

Leveraging its expertise in rice bran, Tsuno Group Co., Ltd. is actively expanding into overseas markets, bringing high-quality products, including rice bran oil, to customers around the world. Underpinning these efforts is a strong commitment embedded throughout the organization: maximizing the use of available resources, continuously investing in research and development, and contributing to solutions for global challenges.

Looking ahead, the company sees further improvements in operational reliability as a key priority. In addition, initiatives such as automation, labor-saving technologies, reduced maintenance workloads, and condition monitoring are expected to become increasingly important from an equipment and operations perspective.

We look forward to leveraging Alfa Laval’s global network not only for proposals related to technological advancements, but also for sharing insights into the latest trends in manufacturing processes around the world.

koseki.png

Mr. Koishi
Research & Development Division
Tsuno Group Co., Ltd.

As a trusted partner supporting Tsuno Group’s ambitions, Alfa Laval will continue to provide expertise, solutions, and support to help realize manufacturing processes that maximize the value of food resources.

 

1920.png

.

View More Customer Stories

Download | Case Study & Related PDF Resources

You can download the PDF version of this case study and related resources by completing the form below.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about Alfa Laval’s products and solutions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact us using the link below.

▶ Contact Us

Tags

All
GC form