a method of , and apparatus for , unwrapping a module of cotton or other fibrous material from a wrapping having at least one layer of plastics - sheet material , the method including the steps of : raising the module to a first , or elevated , position on a lift conveyor or vertically - movable support surface ; advancing a plurality of gripper heads , mounted on a support frame , to an advanced position , into gripping engagement with the layer of the sheet material wrapping ; lowering the lift conveyor or vertically - movable support surface from the first position towards a second , or lowered , position ; and retracting the plurality of gripper heads , to expand the wrapping to progressively release the cotton or other fibrous material from the lower portion to the upper portion of the module .