The concept of resource nexus is an acknowledgement of the interconnections between the uses of natural resources. This research will further the work done on the resource nexus by examining the multiple effects of measures taken in the Indian textile industry to lower the costs incurred due to the implementation of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD). ZLD combines a variety of technologies to cease the discharge of untreated water from production processes to the surrounding area. The paper will, based on surveys answered by an IKEA supplier and four of IKEA’s sub-suppliers of textile in India, present a multiple case study of possible multiple effects of projects undertaken to lower the increased cost of manufacturing with ZLD. Building on the multiple case study, and marrying it with the knowledge of the multiple benefits of energy efficiency improvements, the Value Added Water (VAW) tool, and the rebound effect, this paper constructs and offers a Multiple Effects Framework (MEF) for measures taken in factories as a response to the increased cost of manufacturing with ZLD. The framework handles both quantifiable and non-quantifiable multiple effects of measures taken, such as changes in resource use (water, energy, chemicals, materials), productivity and work environment. The MEF aggregates a more comprehensive picture of the overall effects of measures taken to adapt to the increased costs associated with ZLD in the textile supply chain, and can to a certain extent be applied to other factories facing a future mandate for ZLD. When changed accordingly, the framework can also be applied to other situations and industries as a decision-making and evaluation tool. In order to deepen the understanding of customer expectations and future trends, interviews were made with IKEA co-workers and a consultant involved with the factories investigated. Lessons learnt by IKEA and the consultant regarding ZLD implementation and the resource nexus are presented for internalization by factories, customers and authorities.

The dissertation examines the sustainability of managing textile wastewater within the textile value chain (TVC), emphasizing resource interplay, environmental impacts, and the integration of the Resource Nexus framework. The studies of this dissertation analyze tangible environmental resources (e.g., water, energy, material), intangible environmental resources (e.g., technological and organizational training), and governance resources (e.g., regulations, monitoring, research & development) dimensions, including sustainable practices, compliance, and stakeholder perceptions in the context of textile wastewater management (TWM). The studies of this dissertation utilize a combination of qualitative methods, such as thematic analysis of interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), alongside quantitative approaches, including survey data analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). Qualitative data offer insights into stakeholder perceptions and regulatory frameworks, while quantitative data provide empirical evidence of associations between resource management strategies, environmental governance, and water quality. The dissertation on the sustainability of TWM highlights the significance of stakeholder engagement for effective regulation and monitoring; however, there's a notable gap in fully exploring diverse stakeholders' perspectives and their roles in decision-making processes. While acknowledging the importance of community livelihoods and ecosystem health, some studies inadequately assess the socio-economic impacts and ecological consequences of wastewater discharge on neighboring communities, overlooking conflicts arising from resource usage and discharge. Additionally, although proposing frameworks like the Resource Nexus, there is a lack of quantitative justification, hindering informed decision-making and policy formulation. Addressing these gaps is essential for enhancing the studies' relevance and applicability to improving TWM and achieving sustainable transformation. Furthermore, the dissertation significantly contributes by identifying gaps, providing empirical evidence, and suggesting policy interventions for sustainable TWM. It highlights disparities between compliant and non-compliant industries, emphasizes stakeholder engagement, promotes eco-technological innovations, and advocates for collaborative efforts among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and communities. These insights contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the Resource Nexus approach and offer actionable guidance for stakeholders aiming to address the challenges of sustainable TWM. These studies are crucial for addressing the sustainability challenges in textile wastewater management, particularly in contexts like Bangladesh. The studies of this dissertation offer insights into the complexities of resource management, stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, and the need for sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to clean water, industry innovation and infrastructure, and sustainable communities, enhancing environmental performance, and fostering socio-ecological resilience. These findings contribute to a holistic understanding of the Resource Nexus approach and offer actionable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers aiming to address the challenges of TWM sustainably.:Summary I Table of Contents III List of Figures IV List of Tables V Abbreviations VI 1 Introduction 1 2 Research articles of the cumulative dissertation 5 Overview of the research articles 5 2.1.1 Implications and limitations 11 2.1.2 Outlook for future research 12 Resource nexus oriented decision making along the textile value chain: The case of wastewater management (Article 1) 14 Sustainability transformation in the textile industry – the case of wastewater management (Article 2) 17 Resource Nexus for decision-making: An industry-community synergistic approach for textile wastewater management (Article 3) 20 Improving water quality for environmental performance: The role of resource-based decision-making in textile wastewater management (Article 4) 22 3 References 26 4 Acknowledgements 33 5 Appendix A: Article 1 35 6 Appendix B: Article 2 83 7 Appendix C: Article 3 109 8 Appendix D: Article 4 137

Land subsidence due to overexploitation of aquifers is often attributed to incoherent public policies. Taking the case of the Mahyar valley in Iran as an example, and based on a mixed-method research design, this study analyses the effects of policy incoherence on well use for agricultural irrigation and the resulting groundwater levels. Results show how an accumulation of policy incoherence over time results in an increased construction of wells, ultimately leading to a groundwater table drawdown, with a significant decrease of 7.61 m in the last 16 years.