This paper's main aim is to review and compare sustainability frameworks and models aiming to propose an overarching strategic planning process for selection of sustainable production (SP) indicators within the manufacturing sector, which point toward radical, systematic and goal-oriented changes. The Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development is selected as a conceptual model to guide strategic decision-making support for sustainability KPIs selection. The main outcome, the conceptual model, and its validity in a future study will be tested and used to offer decision-support to case organizations e.g. gear manufacturers and the results will be compared with other leading SP indicator sets. © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.