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Natural rubber is a key agro-industrial product in Asia, Africa, America, and Oceania, with widespread applications (e.g. tires, latex gloves, wet suits). The energy consumption of the traditional rubber drying process is very high and improvements should be investigated to both reduce the energy consumption, and reduce the cost of the rubber processing. The research investigated both heat recovery and solar air heating (SAH) to minimize the energy consumption of the drying process. A complete assessment of an industrial rubber drying plant in China demonstrated that a heat recovery can reduce the energy consumption by 16 to 44%. If moreover SAH is applied, further energy savings can be achieved. A pilot-scale SAH was tested. Its solar transfer efficiency was between 30% and 50%. Experimental data were theoretically validated, and used in a scale-up design strategy, resulting in an overall drying energy saving of 60 to 77%. The corresponding total investment and payback period are 300 and 420 k€ and 2 to 3.3 years respectively. The novel layout of the energy-efficient rubber dryer, and its energy performance are illustrated. [Display omitted] • Natural rubber is a key agro-industrial product. • The energy consumption for rubber drying is very high. • Energy savings are achieved by integrated heat recovery. • Solar air heating can further reduce the energy consumption. • A total saving on drying energy of 60 to 77% is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]