In response to growing societal and environmental issues and regulatory demands, companies are increasingly required to adopt responsible practices that address social sustainability within global supply chains. This thesis explores how organisations in the Nordic textile industry advance social sustainability, with a particular focus on how they are preparing for the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Employing a qualitative case study design, data was collected through 10 semi-structured interviews with participants from organisations across Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. The thesis introduces the Model of Knowledge Creation in Social Sustainability, which serves as the theoretical framework to conceptualise how boundary crossing among actors leads to mutual learning and knowledge generation.

Thematic analysis reveals that companies promote social sustainability by building strong relationships with suppliers, engaging both in internal and external collaboration, acquiring sustainability certifications, and embedding sustainability into core business practices. Establishing trust and allocating sufficient time into collaboration were crucial preconditions for its effectiveness. Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is examined as a work-based learning phenomenon that develops through collaborative practices across boundaries. Boundary objects, such as legislation, methodological tools, and seminars support this process by translating complex concepts and facilitating shared understanding.

The research concludes that by engaging in WIL, organisations can effectively respond to emerging legislative frameworks and advance social sustainability in the textile supply chain.