MUNICH, Germany, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Germany's world-leading environmental technology fair IFAT started here Monday, focusing at its opening on the harm that microplastics can cause.

Microplastics refer to small plastic pieces less than 5 mm in diameter which can be harmful to water species and humans.

German environment minister Svenja Schulze said in his opening speech that technological and strategic innovation is required to recycle plastics, especially to prevent plastic waste from entering the environment.

Schulze said the green technology market with its almost 7 percent yearly growth belongs to the world's most dynamic industry. Germany's small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have especially benefited from the dynamic.

A seminar followed the speech on how waters can be plastic-free, particularly microplastics.

This year's fair has brought more than 3,100 exhibitors and is expected to attract over 135,000 visitors worldwide. There are 125 exhibitors from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The IFAT was initiated in 1966, and is now the world's biggest and leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste and raw materials management. It has taken place every two years since 2010.