A generally applicable framework for the evaluation of the sustainability of distillation processes is proposed by aligning indicators directly to selected sustainable development goals (SDGs) created by the United Nations. The indicators are related to the goals good health and well-being (SDG 3), clear water and sanitation (SDG 6), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13) and life below water (SDG 14). A total of 12 sustainability indicators, including human toxicity potential, wastewater generation, water consumption, renewable energy share, energy demand, material footprint, profit, waste generation, recycling ratio of waste, greenhouse gas emission, eutrophication potential and acidification potential are assigned to selected SDGs. The application of the indicators is illustrated by two case studies: a batch (BD) and a conti... [more]