The Sterile Barrier Association (The SBA) is an influential global trade association for companies who produce Sterile Barrier Systems for the healthcare industry around the world.

Sterile Barrier Systems are sophisticated barrier materials which allow single use medical devices and products to be sterilised after manufacture, and then to maintain that sterility up to the point of use.

The SBA was formerly known as ESPA, the European Sterilisation Packaging Association. ESPA was formed in 1992.

The Association was formed to bring together key players to:-

·         Promote this very important industry, producing products which help to prevent infection to patients.

·         Assist in creating a positive environment to drive innovation in the technology associated with the production of sterile barrier systems.

·         Promote the highest product standards and manufacturing excellence.

The Association’s name was changed to the Sterile Barrier Association in 2004.

The main reason for the name change was member’s strong belief that the description “packaging” did not adequately describe the highly technical products and services provided by members, and the increasing global presence of members.  

The SBA is a non profit making organisation.