A package wrapping removal system and method of operation for removing a wrapping from a product has a first cutter that cuts the wrapping along a first side face of the wrapped product as the product moves along a first transport. A second transport of the system then receives the wrapped product from the first transport. As the wrapped product moves along the second transport, the first cutter and an opposing second cutter cut the wrapping along respective flanking side faces of the product. A vacuum device integrated into the second transport then removes the wrapping as one piece as the unwrapped product continues to move downstream.